Make a Difference - Become a School Volunteer

PGCPS’ Volunteer Program provides the opportunity for parents, businesses, and the community to enrich the education of students. Volunteers extend teachers' and staffs' professional skills and assist in the effort to meet the unique needs of each and every student. As a volunteer, you will join thousands of caring people from all walks of life who willingly share their time and talents in our schools in a variety of ways. Volunteers play an important role and are indeed making a difference for students. The complete application and approval process may take up to three weeks to complete.

Step 1 – Apply Online (Annual Requirement)

Volunteers must complete an online volunteer application. All school volunteers must renew their volunteer application every school year.  Once approved, your eligibility as an approved volunteer will expire on June 30^th of each academic year.

Step 2 – Complete Background Screening Process (One-Time Requirement)

To ensure safe schools for our students, PGCPS requires a fingerprint background check and Child Protective Services (CPS) clearance for each person who will provide volunteer services more than once each school year. These fingerprint background checks and CPS clearances help identify individuals with criminal offenses which may disqualify them from serving as a volunteer. The total fee for these clearances is $62.25 per applicant.  If you are the parent/guardian of a student who qualifies for free or reduced meals, this fee is waived. Applicants must bring a copy of their eligibility letter to request a fee waiver.  Please note that this is a one-time requirement for all volunteers. If you are a returning volunteer who has completed both the fingerprint background check and CPS clearance, you are not required to complete this step again.

All new volunteer applicants must complete and print this CPS Background Clearance form. The form is a fillable PDF and should be typed. Handwritten forms are not acceptable. Do not sign this form in advance. Please bring the completed form with you to initiate your fingerprint background check and CPS clearance.  There are multiple locations at which you can complete your fingerprint background check and CPS clearance.

Step 3 – Complete Mandatory Safety Training Modules (Annual Requirement)

Once you have completed your online volunteer application, you will receive an email with your unique Volunteer Identification Number (VIN). You will receive an email with a link to log in and complete the required training modules via the SafeSchools platform. Your VIN will now be used to track and monitor your completion of all volunteer requirements.