National Gold Ribbon School Districts in Service-Learning - Recognizing School Districts creating a culture of service: Falls Church City Public Schools, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools, Perry Schools, Pomona Unified School District, and Pueblo School District 60

Falls Church City Public Schools Earns National Gold Ribbon Recognition for Service-Learning Excellence

FCCPS Communications

May 12, 2025

Falls Church City Public Schools has been named one of only six school districts nationwide to receive the prestigious 2025 Gold Ribbon School District in Service-Learning award from Youth Service America (YSA), recognizing the district's extraordinary commitment to student-led community engagement.

The honor celebrates FCCPS's seamless integration of service-learning throughout its PreK-12 International Baccalaureate curriculum, where students don't just learn about community needs—they develop and implement real solutions.

"This recognition reflects what happens when we empower young people as civic leaders and problem-solvers," said Marybeth Connelly, Director of Strategic Planning and Community Engagement. "Our students aren't just preparing to make a difference someday—they're making that difference right now in Falls Church."

FCCPS's comprehensive approach features signature programs including:

  • GIVE Day – An annual district-wide service initiative where students identify community needs, develop action plans, and implement solutions with cross-age collaboration.

  • HipStangs Reading Club – A beloved intergenerational literacy program pairing high school mentors with elementary students for weekly reading sessions at the public library.

  • Progressive IB Capstone Projects – At pivotal grade levels (5, 8, 10, 11, and 12), students complete substantial service-learning projects reflecting growing capabilities in research, planning, and community impact.

"Falls Church City Public Schools has created a powerful model for youth leadership and civic engagement," said Scott Ganske, Vice President of Education at Youth Service America. "Their approach ensures students are not just participants in service but changemakers in their communities."

The district's approach emphasizes sustainable partnerships with local organizations, including municipal government, libraries, and nonprofits, creating authentic contexts for student leadership. Programs like the Anna Hennessey Scholarship and student-designed public art installations further reinforce service as a cornerstone of the FCCPS experience.

The award announcement coincides with Youth Service Month (April 11 to May 11), a national celebration of youth civic engagement. Additional information about the Gold Ribbon Schools program is available at www.YSA.org/schools/.