The staff of Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) understands that building relationships and strengthening the ties between schools and the communities they support are beneficial and in the best interests of children. A foundation of cooperation and accountability can support a child’s future and strengthen the relationships between educators and community members. The CCPS Department of Community Engagement and Equity (DCEE) has established an application process for organizations interested in becoming a CCPS Partner in Education.
“A strong, successful school system is supported by engaged families, community members, businesses and organizations. They are partners in education,” Sylvia Royster, director of the DCEE, said. “By forming and fostering connections between schools and the community, educational outcomes are enhanced, the wellbeing of children is improved, and partnerships are enriched.”
The CCPS Partner in Education program houses several categories including:
Monetary donations.
In-kind donations. (These are non-monetary donations that can include the transfer of any asset, usually goods that can be used by the school system to enhance program, or professional services.)
Education/tutoring program.
Training/professional development program.
Mentoring program. (This is a separate process from the CCPS volunteer program.)
The DCEE will screen interest applications, sending an email confirmation to the address from which the application was submitted. If the interest application meets approval, DCEE staff will provide the applicant with a link to complete additional paperwork.
Applicants are required to complete an application for each Partners in Education category applicable to the organization. If the Partner in Education categories do not apply to the applicant’s organization, the application process will prompt the representative to contact Royster, director of the DCEE, at sroyster@ccboe.com. The applications can be found on the DCEE website at www.ccboe.com.
Partners in Education must compliment and support the CCPS strategic plan increasing student achievement, access and opportunity as well as the school culture and climate. The opportunities provided by partners can take the form of education and training, career exploration, mentorships and networking, internships and apprenticeships and financially supporting instruction.
During the application process, individuals or representatives of organizations will be prompted to provide pertinent information such as program objectives and budgets. Those making monetary or in-kind donations must make gifts that satisfy the CCPS Superintendent Rule 3250. CCPS staff will review each application with final approval provided through the DCEE.
Partner organizations and individuals may be required to complete mandatory CCPS safety requirements that include undergoing a background check through Sterling Check. To learn more about requirements to volunteer with the school system, visit the website of the Office of School Safety and Security. CCPS allows community groups and nonprofit organizations to use school facilities for legitimate purposes that do not interfere with any school programs. The use of facilities application and information can be found under the Community section of www.ccboe.com. Applicants will provide an electronic signature verifying the information provided is accurate. The DCEE will notify principals that an organization has been approved to work with their respective schools. From there, the principal or a designee will reach out to the Partner in Education’s point of contact and plan the next steps of the partnership. Principals will contact Royster with any questions and for additional support.
To apply to become a CCPS Partner in Education, go to the Community Partner in Education Application. Click here for more information about the DCEE and its program.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,598 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).