Skip To Main Content

Partner in Education Program

students at Mitchell standing with signs

What is the CCPS Partner in Education Program?

Partner In Education logo

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.

Partner Categories

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.)

Application Process

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 Sylvia Royster, director of the DCEE, at sroyster@ccboe.com. The applications can be found on the DCEE webpage.

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.

If your expected expenses to be paid by Charles County Public Schools will exceed $2,500 your firm will not be eligible to become a Partner in Education. Any expenses expected to be paid by parents should not be included in this amount. Please visit the Purchasing Department webpage, https://www.ccboe.com/departments/fiscal-services/purchasing, and view the Guide for Vendors on how to become a vendor with Charles County Public Schools. You may reach out to Carletta Grier, Contract Administrator, with the Purchasing Department if you have any questions. She can be reached at cgrier@ccboe.com.

Approved List of Partners in Education

  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Nu Zeta Omega Chapter, Ivy & Pearls of Southern Maryland Community Charities, Inc
  • Christ Embassy Church
  • Deep Launching Incorporated
  • Dream Queen Foundation - soon to be Life Atlas Foundation 6/2023
  • Focused On Community
  • Girl Scouts Nations Capital
  • Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake
  • Girls With Impact
  • Green-Hope Foundation, Inc.
  • Help Me Help You Mentoring Program
  • Ivy Pearls of Southern Maryland Community Charities, Inc.
  • John Lancaster & W. Cecil Short Foundation
  • Leveling The Playing Field
  • Our Girls
  • SNAP-Ed Program, University of Maryland Extension, Charles County
  • Tri-County (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
  • tRuth Club
  • University of Maryland Extension
  • University of Maryland Extension, Charles County 4-H
  • Upper Marlboro/Waldorf Alumni Chapter Kappa League
Girls standing next to Gals Lead sign
people standing near table with snacks

Volunteer Safety Requirements

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 Volunteer Information webpage. 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.