Program Overview

9/11 Day Schools of Service is a schoolwide recognition and branding opportunity for any K–12 school or district participating in the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Schools and districts that engage students in acts of kindness, community-building, or service connected to 9/11 Day can receive official designation and tools to publicly share their participation.

As the nation approaches 25 years since September 11, this program invites participation at both the school and district level as part of a historic, nationwide effort to help create the largest expression of service in U.S. history.

There is no cost, no grant requirement, and no minimum number of activities. Schools and districts participate in ways that work for them and simply record their impact.

Timeline

• Enrollment opens: February 2026
• Activities completed: September 2026
  

What Schools Receive

• Official 9/11 Day School of Service certificate
• School Engagement Toolkit for 9/11 Day
• Digital badge for school or district websites, newsletters, and email signatures
• Social media graphics and suggested language to share participation
• Customizable templates (graphics, press releases, parent letters) to showcase involvement in the 25th anniversary observance

Who Can Enroll

Any U.S. K–12 school or district that participates in at least one 9/11 Day activity, including:

• Official programs such as 9/11 Day Classrooms of Service or 9/11 Day Student Service Captains
• Use of 9/11 Day lesson plans or classroom activities

Independent school- or district-organized 9/11 Day service or remembrance initiatives.

FAQ: 9/11 Day Schools of Service

What types of activities qualify a school for recognition?

• Schools may choose from a wide range of activities connected to 9/11 Day, including kindness or empathy lessons, schoolwide service projects, donation drives, student-led initiatives, or participation in official 9/11 Day programs.

• Any activity that promotes empathy, kindness, service, or community engagement in connection with the 25th anniversary of 9/11 qualifies.

Is there a minimum number of activities required?

• No. There is no minimum requirement. Schools and districts are encouraged to participate in ways that align with their capacity, goals, and community needs. Activities may be small- or large-scale.

Does this program cost anything?

• No. Enrollment, recognition, and all resources are provided at no cost.

Can our entire school participate, or only certain grades or groups?

• Any level of engagement qualifies. Schools may involve:
  • The entire school
  • Specific grade levels
  • Individual classrooms, clubs, or student groups
    

• All participation counts toward recognition.

Will our school or district be publicly recognized?

• Yes. Participating schools and districts may be recognized on 911day.org and through 9/11 Day communications, unless they request not to be listed.

Can Schools of Service count toward district or state service-learning requirements?

• Often, yes. Many districts and states accept these activities toward civic engagement, service-learning, or SEL-related requirements. Schools and districts may document participation as needed.

Are grants available for Schools of Service?

• Not at this time. Schools of Service is a recognition-only program. Separate funding opportunities, such as the School Microgrants Program, are available through a different application process.

How will we receive our materials?

• All materials are provided digitally after enrollment, including certificates, digital badges, and promotional assets for websites, newsletters, and social media.

Can schools participate in additional 9/11 Day programs?

• Yes. Schools and districts may also:
  • Register classrooms as Classrooms of Service
  • Support Student Service Captains
    

Participation in any component strengthens a school or district’s overall Schools of Service designation.