9/11 Day Student Service Leaders
Back to List9/11 Day Student Service Leaders is a national leadership opportunity for rising high school seniors to design and lead a meaningful service project in observance of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Student Service Leaders plan and carry out a student-led service initiative in their school or community, supported by a sponsoring school or community organization and an identified adult advisor.
Registrations will be reviewed and verified to ensure that all eligibility requirements are met. Approved Student Service Leaders will receive a confirmation email from 9/11 Day.
Who Is Eligible to Register
To participate as a 9/11 Day Student Service Leaders, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a current high school junior who will be a senior on September 11, 2026
- Be sponsored by a school or a recognized community organization, such as a nonprofit, faith-based organization, or youth-serving group
- Identify a designated adult advisor who will provide guidance and oversight throughout project planning and implementation
Project Support & Funding
- All registered Student Service Leaders will receive a comprehensive 9/11 Day Project Planning Toolkit to help them successfully plan, lead, and promote their service projects.
- Student Service Leaders do not receive direct project funding. However, their sponsoring school or organization may apply separately to the K-12 School Grants Program to help support their project.
College Scholarships
- The 9/11 Day Student Service Leaders Scholarship application will open on October 1, 2026, and close on December 31, 2026.
- Scholarships will be awarded based on demonstrated project impact, leadership, creativity, and thoughtful reflection.
FAQ:
Who can participate?
Any high school junior who will be a senior on 9/11/26 may register, provided they have:
- A sponsoring school or community organization
- An adult advisor
What kinds of projects qualify?
Projects may include donation drives, peer-led kindness or service campaigns, schoolwide days of service, community partnerships, environmental projects, or other initiatives that demonstrate student leadership and community impact.
Do students receive funding or grants for their projects?
No. Students do not receive any project funding directly.
However, schools or sponsoring organizations may apply separately for support through the K–12 School Grants Program, which is awarded in Spring 2026.
What is the role of the sponsoring school or organization?
The sponsor provides general oversight, helps ensure the project aligns with school or community guidelines, and may apply for microgrant funding to support the project if needed.
How do the college scholarships work?
After completing their service project, participating Seniors may choose to apply for a $5,000 college scholarship.
- The scholarship application is optional and separate from program registration
- Applications are reviewed after 9/11 Day
- 20 students nationwide will be selected
Can more than one student from the same school participate?
Yes. Schools and organizations may sponsor multiple Student Service Leaders.
Is participation free?
Yes. There is no cost to register or participate.
Does participation count toward School of Service recognition?
Yes. Sponsoring a 9/11 Day Student Service Leaders contributes to a school or district’s Schools of Service recognition.