November 5, 2026 | Volume 33, No. 45 | Published Weekly Since 1994

50 K-12 Schools Recognized by YSA

YSA recognizes 50 K-12 schools across the United States selected as 2026 National Gold Ribbon School in Service-Learning, honoring their commitment to youth voice and leadership, civic engagement, and student-led community impact. This national honor highlights their exceptional commitment to empowering students through service-learning initiatives that address real-world challenges.

Selected from a pool of over 400 schools that responded to a national survey, these schools exemplify what it means to create a culture of service-learning - where students take the lead in identifying real-world problems, collaborating with community partners, and building solutions that foster meaning, purpose, and belonging. Students in these districts aren’t just learning about the world - they’re improving it.

The 2026 honorees are:

Amy Biehl Charter High School - Albuquerque, NM
Bridgeprep Academy Duval County - Miami, FL
Camden Forward School/Urban Promise Academy - Camden, NJ
Center Virtual Academy - Center, CO
Centerville High School - Centerville, SD
Central Magnet School - Murfreesboro, TN
Chain Exploration Center - Waupaca, WI
Claymont High School - Uhrichsville, OH
Craigmont High School - Memphis, TN
Crescent View Academy - Aurora, CO
Damascus High School - Damascus, MD
Del Norte High School - Albuquerque, NM
Earle B. Wood Middle School - Rockville, MD
Freedom High School - Oakley, CA
Ft Sam Houston Elementary School - San Antonio, TX
Gaithersburg High School - Gaithersburg, MD
Green Hope High School - Cary, NC
Hillview High School - Tustin, CA
Islamic School Of Rhode Island - West Warwick, RI
John H. Francis Polytechnic - Sun Valley, CA
Julius West Middle School - Rockville, MD
Lomie G. Heard Elementary School - Las Vegas, NV
Los Encinos School - Encino, CA
Middle Valley Elementary School - Hixson, TN
Mission Continuation High School - San Fernando, CA
New Roberto Clemente School - Paterson, NJ
Newesd 101 Open Doors Program - Spokane, WA
Odessa Shannon Middle School - Silver Spring, MD
Odyssey STEM Academy - Lakewood, CA
Poway To Palomar Middle College High - San Diego, CA
Public School 133 Fred R Moore - New York, NY
Public School 527 East Side School For Social Action - New York, NY
Putnam City West High School - Oklahoma City, OK
Quince Orchard High School - Gaithersburg, MD
Quincy Middle School - Quincy, MI
Redland Middle School - Rockville, MD
Reese Road Leadership Academy - Columbus, GA
Renaissance Charter School At Chickasaw Trail - Orlando, FL
Ridgeview Middle School - Gaithersburg, MD
Shady Grove Middle School - Gaithersburg, MD
Sierra High School - Manteca, CA
SOAR Charter Academy - San Bernardino, CA
The Foundation Academy - Jacksonville, FL
Vanguard High School - New York, NY
Walker Middle Magnet - Odessa, FL
Wesley Prep - Dallas, TX
West Harrison Middle School - Gulfport, MS
Western New York Maritime Charter School - Buffalo, NY
William H. Farquhar Middle School - Olney, MD
Yucca Valley High School - Yucca Valley, CA

Schools were selected based on responses submitted by their principal or other school administrator to a national survey measuring the prevalence of youth service and community participation in America's K-12 schools. Criteria included the percentage of students participating in service-learning, whether the school has a service-learning requirement for some or all students, whether the school regularly arranges service-learning opportunities for students, the percentage of teachers trained in and using service-learning in their classrooms, integration of 6 student voice and leadership practices, and implementation of 13 service-learning practices based on the K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice.

Celebrate National Gold Ribbon Schools in Service-Learning

Share This Email

NEWS FROM THE FIELD

2026 Youth Voter Turnout Second-Highest for a Midterm Election in the Last 30 Years

CIRCLE estimates that 27% of young people voted in the 2026 midterm elections, which matches their early estimate of youth electoral participation from the 2022 midterms. It is the second-highest midterm youth voter turnout in the past 30 years, trailing only the 2018 election cycle.

Young Voters Prioritized the Economy, Sought Drastic Political Change

52% percent of young voters chose “the economy and jobs” as one of the top three issues facing the country. Health care was second at 42% followed by the war in Iran (27%), immigration (26%), education (21%), and climate change (20%).

In Shift From 2024, Young Men, White Youth, and Non-College Youth Vote Democratic in 2026

Today’s young voters are the most diverse generation in American history, and their choices at the ballot box in the 2026 midterms reflect that diversity. As in other recent elections, young women and young people of color were more likely to vote for Democratic candidates. Unlike in 2024, white youth and young men also gave Democrats strong support.

State by State: Youth Vote Key to Blue Wave in the 2026 Midterms

Young people had a major impact on the 2026 midterm elections with overwhelming support for Democratic candidates across the country. That strong youth preference for Democrats helped power the party's strong performances in major House and Senate races that helped shift the balance of power in Congress and major Democratic wins in gubernatorial contests.

GRANTS & AWARDS

Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison Program - Deadline: November 16

The Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison Program (OYCL) is a three-month paid fellowship that equips U.S. youth ages 16 to 26 with the skills and tools they need to directly advocate to lawmakers. The program was designed with and for Opportunity Youth (16- to 26-year-olds who are not connected to school or the workforce) in order to level up their advocacy skills and connect them to others working for more equitable access to opportunity.

The Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership - Deadlines: November 17 (Early); January 31 (Final)

Calling young changemakers ages 5-20! The Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership, launched by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation and Ashoka, is looking for young people who are creating positive change in their communities. Anyone applying with a NEW idea by November 17 is guaranteed a $100 Seed Grant if all criteria are met. Have an EXISTING project? Apply by January 31 for prizes ranging from $500-$10,000.

Urban Agriculture Resilience Program - Deadline: November 17

The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) and the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) are partnering to support public gardens and their partners to facilitate collaborative urban agriculture, community gardening, and other food-growing projects. Participants will receive $5,000 to $20,000 per project to help build their programs.

Generosity in Action Grants - Deadline: November 19

Help bring your community's stories of service and generosity to life! NMCFS, in partnership with GivingTuesday, is supporting community-led projects that celebrate service, preserve local stories, and bring people together. These $500 microgrants are intended to help community members create Museums of Service, public exhibits, storytelling experiences, or related community activations that recognize generosity in action.

RESOURCES & TRAININGS

The Future of Civic Education is Youth Leadership

Wednesday, November 11 | 2pm-3pm Central Today’s students don’t need more civic knowledge, they need the chance to practice democracy. This session brings together national leaders to explore how schools, nonprofits, and communities are partnering with young people, not just preparing them, to take on real civic challenges through service-learning. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for turning students into civic problem-solvers now, not someday.

MLK Day Youth Service Institute

Wednesday, November 18 | 1pm-4pm Eastern

Anyone who is interested in engaging young people ages 5-25 for MLK Day of Service (January 18, 2027) is invited to attend. Sessions include

Introduction to MLK Day of Service and Overview of Planning Resources
MLK Day of Service Project Planning 101
Expert Coaching & Peer Learning Conversations.

See the full agenda here.

When you register, select "Not a Grantee" in the Grant Program dropdown question.

The Problem with "Fighting Polarization" and a Better Path to Unity

"What if the solution to our deeply polarized political life was more imagination, not less conflict? ... Polarization itself is less a problem to solve but a symptom of deeper social and political change, and we address it by building capacity to work through disagreement rather than stifling it."

SLSV Email Headers (72 %C3%97 15 in) image

Unlocking Local Leadership: Why Rural People Step Forward to Help Their Communities

Gallup’s research with the LOR Foundation finds that people in rural America are highly engaged in supporting their neighbors — 68% say they frequently help others in their communities. However, despite 46% expressing a desire to be more involved, fewer than one in 10 have taken on more formal leadership roles when it comes to projects that help their communities.

STORIES OF SERVICE

Everyday Young Hero: Prayan Pallav

Many young children struggle with confidence, fear of making mistakes, or feeling too shy to participate. Prayan Pallav (12 | Alpharetta, Georgia) takes action by volunteering his time to mentor and support younger children at K-TOP WORLD TAEKWONDO. As one of K-TOP's most energetic and enthusiastic student leaders, Prayan encourages shy beginners, celebrates their small achievements, and patiently demonstrates techniques to help them feel comfortable trying something new. He is especially good with students who have ADHD and need extra attention. They trust him, listen to him, and respond well to his encouragement.

Prayan also volunteers at community events and local elementary schools, inspiring children through Taekwondo demonstrations and activities. He has become a role model for younger students and fellow leaders, proving that true leadership means helping others believe in themselves. What truly sets Prayan apart is his consistency and dedication. He never misses a volunteer opportunity or Leadership session. Even during summer break, when most students were enjoying their time off, Prayan chose to volunteer additional hours to help younger students and support our school. His greatest achievement is knowing that his time, commitment, and encouragement have helped other children grow.