The Gold Standard: AACPS Earns National Award For Work In Service Learning

Citing exceptional integration of service learning into every facet of student life, Youth Service America (YSA) has recognized Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) as one of six Gold Ribbon School Districts in the United States.

From curriculum-based projects in grades five through 11 to countywide leadership camps and community partnerships, AACPS was cited for the ways in which it prepares students to “make a real difference through hands-on learning,” YSA said in its recognition. Among those ways are:

• Chesapeake Connections, a sixth-grade unit that combines environmental action with social-emotional learning.
• The AACPS Service Portal, an innovative platform providing multilingual, accessible opportunities for student-led impact.
• A nationally recognized collaboration with Chick-fil-A that includes service road trips, summer camps and student leadership development.
• A recognition of and culture of service learning that includes celebrations of students work, transcript distinctions, and honors such as the Superintendent’s Award and Presidential Service Award.

“Conveying the importance of service learning is a huge part of our effort to help every single student ‘Belong, Grow and Succeed,’” Superintendent of Schools Mark Bedell said. “This honor reflects the work of so many people who go to great lengths every day to help our students not only understand what it takes to create better communities but to provide opportunities for them to do so.”

The award is the second honor regarding service learning in the last two months for the school district. In March, AACPS Manager of Service-Learning Lori Fowler earned the Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award from the National Youth Leadership Council.

“Anne Arundel County Public Schools has built one of the most comprehensive and inclusive service-learning models in the country,” said Scott Ganske, vice president of education at Youth Service America. “They’re not only preparing students academically but inspiring them to lead with purpose in their communities.”

For more information about the 2025 Gold Ribbon School honorees, go to www.ysa.com/education.