Seattle Public Schools

Student Family Portal
two hands holding a heart
Departments
Seattle Public Schools/Departments/Volunteer Enhancement Projects

Volunteer Enhancement Projects

What is a Volunteer Enhancement Project?

Volunteer Enhancement Projects was formerly called Self Help Projects.

Volunteer Enhancement Projects is celebrating our 50th anniversary with the launch of a new name.

A Volunteer Enhancement Project is any project to improve our school buildings or grounds. Volunteer Enhancement projects may be initiated and implemented by any individual or group other than Seattle Public Schools’ Facilities, Capital or Technology departments staff.

Complete the Volunteer Enhancement Project Application form to initiate the process of starting a project at your site. After your application is reviewed by a panel we will share additional specific project guidelines.

Some examples of Volunteer Enhancement Projects are:

  • Grounds stewardship and landscape renovation
  • School playground improvements
  • Creating a mural or mosaic
  • Install a Little Library or bench
  • Interior and exterior painting
  • Developing or enhancing a school garden
  • Community volunteer service day

If you have an idea that’s not listed, check with us to see if it falls under Volunteer Enhancement Projects review.

Volunteers painting four square court
Little Free Library
Buddy Bench
Hop Scotch
New Trees from Trees for Neighborhoods
Indoor Mural
Learning Garden
RainWise Rain Garden

About the Volunteer Enhancement Projects Program

The Volunteer Enhancement Projects Program is part of the Facilities Department. The Volunteer Enhancement Projects Program is responsible for coordinating the review, approval, tracking and oversight of all Volunteer Enhancement Projects. We also partner with the School Learning Garden Network.

All Volunteer Enhancement Projects (VEP) require prior approval by the Seattle Public Schools VEP Review Team to ensure all projects:

  • Are appropriate for our buildings and grounds
  • Are compliant with School Board policies
  • Are completed to District standards
  • Complements school programming
  • Provides a record

Initiate a Project

Complete a Volunteer Enhancement Project Application. We’ll review your project and get back to you with conditions of approval. This year we have eliminated the use of two different forms. All projects now utilize the Volunteer Enhancement Project Application.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Seattle Public Schools!