Volunteering with Prince George's County Public Schools
Many members of the University of Maryland community volunteer their time and services to make a difference in the lives of students in our local public schools. The following paragraphs will give you step-by-step instructions on how to get started as a volunteer with Prince George's County Public Schools.
Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS), one of the nation's top 25 largest school districts, has 208 schools and centers, and more than 130,000 students. The school system serves a diverse student population located in Greater College Park and the Washington, D.C. suburbs.
The University of Maryland and the Office of Community Engagement work to advance student growth through mutually beneficial collaborative community engagement partnerships with PGCPS.
UMD students, staff, faculty, and alumni who want to become involved with PGCPS through volunteer opportunities or partnerships must comply with PGCPS volunteer security procedures.
For more information on the process for volunteering with PGCPS and security requirements, click here.
Application Processes
Examples: Career Day, Science Fair, College Park, Spelling Bee, STEM Fair, Principal for a Day, Men Make a Difference Day, Book Fair, School Dance, etc.
(Note: if assisting with multiple events each school year, follow procedure for recurring volunteers below)
- One time volunteers must be escorted and under the supervision of a PGCPS employee at all times.
- Security Process for ONE-TIME VOLUNTEERS (Raptor System)
- Scan your government-issued ID into Raptor Visitor Management System upon arrival at the school
- Wear Raptor system badge for duration of visit
- Sign out at the conclusion of visit
PGCPS Administrative Procedure AP-4215 and 4216.6
NOT under the supervision of a PGCPS employee at all times and/or provides a variety of services on a regular basis.
Examples: Tutors, Mentors, Teacher Aides, Office Assistants, Chaperones, Interns, Event Gate and Concession Stand Workers, Coaches
EACH VOLUNTEER MUST:
- Undergo Sex Offender screening (requires fingerprinting) at least 15 business days in advance of first volunteer activity, and
- Undergo Child Protective Services (CPS) clearance at least 15 business days in advance of first volunteer activity, and
- Complete the required SafeSchools training modules each school year, prior to engaging in volunteer activity. Click here to acess the training.
Sex Offender (Fingerprinting) and CPS screening
- Screening cost is $62.25 for both
- Find processing locations, hours and contact information here.
- For more information on the process for volunteering with PGCPS and security requirements, click here.
Administrative Procedure: AP-4215 and 4216.6
Requests to conduct research in the Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) require authorization from the Department of Research & Evaluation before implementation.
- The authorization process includes a detailed review of the proposed study design to assure conformance with the policies and procedures for research in the school system.
- Projects are also rated for merit and contribution to PGCPS and/or the research field by staff familiar with the proposed study content.