Support Our Schools & Students
The HCPSS Strategic Plan is helping our school system be great for every student. HCPSS is seeking community support in the priority areas below from businesses and organizations contributing through donations, volunteer time, expertise, or sponsorships.
Jump to: Early Childhood Programs | Classroom & School Essentials | Mentoring & Tutoring | Career & Workforce Connections | Student & Staff Recognition | Family & Community Engagement | Advisories & Systemwide Engagement | Bright Minds Foundation | Help Getting Started | Other Ways to Partner
Early Childhood Programs (Birth – 5)
Lending Libraries
Support Pre-K classrooms with books, manipulatives, and classroom resources.
- Provide funding for materials
- Donate items to equip all 70 Pre-K classrooms
Contact the Partnerships Office to discuss needs and typical contribution amounts.
Early Childhood Learning Parties
Support interactive learning events for young children that promote literacy, social-emotional development, and hands-on learning experiences.
See the Family Engagement section for more information.
Classroom & School Essentials
School Supplies
Help ensure students have the tools they need to learn.
View current needs and donation options through Prepare for Success.
Food, Clothing & Personal Care Items
Schools often need items such as:
- Shelf-stable food and snacks
- Clothing (hoodies, socks, shoes)
- Hygiene and personal care items
Connect directly with a local school.
Mentoring & Tutoring
Elementary Mentoring & Tutoring
Support early learning and student confidence through mentoring and tutoring opportunities.
Learn more and sign up through AOK Mentoring & Tutoring.
Secondary Mentoring
Provide guidance, encouragement, and connection for high school students.
Learn more and sign up through Ohana Howard County.
Career & Workforce Connections
Career-Focused Field Trips (Students & Staff)
Support transportation or experiences that expose students and/or staff to careers and industries.
- Help students explore careers, industries, and career pathways (post-secondary education) firsthand by providing industry-specific job shadows, site visits, or field trips.
- Provide professional learning experiences for educators so they can bring back career insights to classrooms.
- Sponsor transportation, meals, or other logistical needs for students and staff.
Industries of interest include:
- Agriculture
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Arts, Entertainment & Design
- Construction
- Digital Technology
- Education
- Energy & Natural Resources
- Financial Services
- Healthcare & Human Services
- Hospitality, Events & Tourism
- Management & Entrepreneurship
- Marketing & Sales
- Public Service & Safety
- Supply Chain & Transportation
Learn more about College & Career Readiness.
Career-Centered Guest Speakers & Expertise
Share your professional knowledge with students or staff. We are seeking professionals who can share:
- Career pathways and job roles
- Workforce skills and expectations
- Industry trends and opportunities
- Personal career journey
- Hands-on activities
Contact the Partnerships Office.
Internship Hosts (Paid or Unpaid)
Provide students with hands-on career experience through internships. Explore internships and employment training programs.
Student & Staff Recognition
Support schools in recognizing positive behavior, attendance, and engagement across the entire school community. Many schools use PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports) to celebrate students and build a positive school climate. Examples include:
Experiences for Students
- Participate in a special recess activity or school celebration
- Volunteer to read with students or lead a fun activity during the school day
- Support experiences that allow students to spend time with peers or a preferred adult
Schoolwide Celebrations
- Sponsor school celebrations or attendance initiatives
- Provide snacks or treats for students during recognition events
Staff & Community Recognition
- Support appreciation activities that recognize the efforts of school staff
- Provide coupons or access to experiences that can be used as recognition
Connect with a local school to learn about current needs.
Family & Community Engagement
Sponsor a Family Engagement Event
Support events that bring families and schools together in welcoming, supportive spaces. Some events may be designed specifically for young children (birth–5). Contributions may include:
- Meals for a family event
- Materials and activities for family members
- Childcare or staff support
Contact the Partnerships Office to discuss needs and typical contribution amounts.
Advisories & Systemwide Engagement
Serve on an Advisory Group
Join advisory groups to guide systemwide programs and initiatives.
Support Through Bright Minds Foundation
Support innovative programs and educator-led initiatives.
- Sponsor mini-grants for classroom innovation
- Sponsor systemwide initiatives and special programs
Visit the Bright Minds Foundation.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you’d like help identifying the right opportunity, complete the Partnership Interest Form or contact the Partnerships Office at partnerships@hcpss.org or 410-313-6865. We’re happy to connect your organization’s interests with an identified school or program need.
Looking for Other Ways to Engage with HCPSS?
- Use of School Facilities – Rent school spaces for community events, meetings, or programs outside of school hours.
- Community News and Programs – Nonprofit organizations can share information about programs, events, or opportunities that may benefit HCPSS students and families.
- Purchasing Office – Learn how to become a vendor or provide goods and services to HCPSS.
- Volunteer as an individual – Complete the required volunteer training and forms, then connect directly with a local school to support students and activities.