Program Recaps and Reflection

Summer is coming to an end, and we are getting ready to bring in the new school year. We don’t know about you, but here at Service in Schools, we are excited for what this year brings! To kick off the school year, we have a host of exciting opportunities and resources for educators and students. September brings one of the biggest service related initiatives in the country, known as 9/11 Day of Service. On this day, organizers attempt to shed some light on one of the darkest days in American history by creating one of the largest days of service. We honor the spirit of sacrifice exhibited by so many individuals by uniting in service and volunteerism throughout our communities. We are also highlighting projects that will keep you busy through the end of summer and help jumpstart the school year.

Volunteer on 9/11 Day of Service

The 9/11 Day of Service was created by David Paine and Jay Winuk shortly after the September 11th terrorist attacks in order to create something good from the loss of so many lives on September 11, 2001. As a result, more than 30 million Americans participate in the 9/11 Day of Service. This year, register to help New York Cares pack more than six million meals for people in need in observance of the 9/11 National Day of Service.

AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps is also providing a host of volunteer activities via their website in support of the National Day of Service. Volunteers can choose a random activity, or something tied to a specific interest. Simply, head to the AmeriCorps website, enter your zip code, and find a volunteer activity near you.

Spread Love NYC

The Spread Love NYC campaign aims to connect New Yorkers to short one-hour and long-term service projects with local nonprofits that uplift communities and contribute to the success of our city. The Spread Love NYC campaign will focus on connecting volunteers and resources to community-based organizations. Find an impact area to focus on, register as an organization, and/or check out all the volunteer opportunities.

NYC Parks

If you want to find a volunteer group you’ll love, check out NYC Parks! There are hundreds of groups working in NYC parks and public spaces, and many of them are actively looking for people to get involved!



When you find the right group to volunteer with, you’ll have a chance to meet people and make friends, while spending time outdoors in the park. People who volunteer in parks report that they feel mentally and physically healthier, and more engaged and connected with their community. To find a teen focused volunteer group within the NYC parks, visit the NYC Parks website.

NYC Service



Volunteering is more than just lending a hand – it’s a way of fulfilling your civic duty. Through acts of service, you can become an ambassador of goodwill, contributing to the well-being of our community. The Manhattan Volunteer Corps has a vision for the growing group of dedicated Manhattanites to provide easy and meaningful ways for you to give back to the borough. To join those already hard at work, sign up to stay updated on all the upcoming Manhattan Volunteer Corps opportunities and check the volunteer portal on Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine’s website for listings of more chances to volunteer throughout the borough.

NYPD Explorers

The New York City Police Department is seeking 50 volunteers to participate in a virtual presentation to gain information on the Explorers program and how to join. The Explorers volunteer program is open to young adults ages 14 to 20. Explorers learn the significance of higher education, self-discipline, and respect for diversity through training, community service projects, and Exploring events. Interested young adults who register for this event will receive a virtual invitation via their sign-up email.

New Neighbors Clothing Partnership

New Neighbors Partnership matches newly arrived refugee families with local families who have older kids and can share ongoing hand-me-downs from season to season. The program reimagines in-kind giving by turning what is normally a one-time, blind donation into a long-standing relationship between families. By partnering with a newly arrived family to contribute ongoing hand-me-down kids clothes, you can help a family feel welcomed and supported in their new life here. Volunteers must be 18 years or older in order to participate. Learn more about volunteering on the New Neighbors Partnership website.

Reading Partners

Reading Partners is a national nonprofit that mobilizes to provide students with individualized reading support they need to read at grade level by the fourth grade. We all know that reading is the foundation of all future learning. The ability to read transforms lives, and empowers children and communities to reach their full potential. Reading Partners is seeking volunteers to spend one hour a week helping students gain lifelong literacy skills that will empower their learning. 

• Give as little as one hour per week
• Flexible weekday volunteer hours
• Follow a highly effective, easy to use curriculum
• No prior experience necessary

Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. To learn more about Reading Partners and get involved, visit their website.

Service Learning

Service-learning is an approach to teaching and learning where students use academic and civic knowledge and skills to address a genuine community need. There are many ways to support youth voice within quality service-learning instruction. The National Leadership Council created some pointers on how to initiate service-learning as an instructional strategy. Visit their website for more information and service-learning resources.

Service Learning

September 11, 2001 is a day that most Americans will never forget as thousands lost their lives to terrorists. At times, topics like this one are difficult to teach students. As a result, the 9/11 Day team created resources to assist teachers in educating students on this important historical day. Resources include a virtual field trip to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, an educational webinar, lesson plans, and more. To access these resources, sign up via the 9/11 Day of Service website.

Does your school have a great service project to share? If so, the Service in Schools team wants to know!

Invite the Service in Schools team to visit your service project. We want to see your students and school community in action. Email the Service in Schools team at ServiceinSchools@schools.nyc.gov with two weeks’ notice, and we will schedule a visit to your school to learn about your project and see the impact you are making on the community. 

Visit our website. Follow @ServiceinSchools on Twitter and @ServiceinSchools on Instagram to receive program updates, upcoming service opportunities, resources, and more. We encourage students who use Twitter and Instagram and are interested in service opportunities to follow us.

Mission: Service in Schools strives to expand the number of NYC students engaged in transformative community service and service-learning experiences that enable them to use their voice, skills, and critical thinking to strengthen communities.