Student Advocacy: Getting Involved in MCPS

December 1, 2025 | Dillan Mogot

Student advocacy is one of the main reasons for positive change in educational policies.   

In MCPS, students are given many opportunities to voice their opinions and ideas through various  organizations and programs. Whet

her they revolve around environmental change, mental health, or equity, Montgomery County is there to provide students a voice. Here are some opportunities you can get involved in! 

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The Student Climate Action Council (SCAC) represents clusters of the county to advance sustainability initiatives and create a greener school system by holding MCPS accountable for their climate goals. They strive to help foster innovative sustainability projects created by the students of MCPS. To tackle climate change effectively in a local community, this council reviews and discusses grant applications to ensure their funding goes towards innovative ideas. To get involved on a county-level to advocate for the environment, complete their Climate Ambassadors Application. 

The Student‑Athlete Leadership Council (SALC) engages student-athletes to serve as district level leaders within the MCPS education-based interscholastic athletics program. This council contributes to community messages and projects to nurture academic, creative problem-solving, and social-emotional skills. Contact Ms. Kathy Green, Outreach and Development Coordinator, Department of Athletics for more information. 

The SMOB Advisory Council (SAC) is a group of appointed students who work closely with the Student Member of the Board to enact change in MCPS. Applications open towards the end of the school year after a new SMOB is elected but meetings are welcome to all students. 

MoCo EmpowHER is a leadership organization committed to establishing a safe and close-knit community for young women to unlock their full potential. Their focus is on discussing  women's issues, leadership development opportunities for young women, opportunities for female leaders to explore various career options, and advocacy networks for female leaders. To get involved, go to their events page or email them to become a school liaison and receive the RSVPs for the upcoming events. 

MoCo Pride Youth is an organization that strives to connect, learn, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ student community in Montgomery County Public Schools. They also run and organize the annual MoCo Pride Summit, where middle and high school students from GSAs across the county network with one another and hear from special guests.

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There are 159,671 students in MOCO who have a voice and every single one of those voices matter. Students should be heard even if it's a simple complaint or a long planned solution. So get involved in Montgomery County because you get the opportunity to experience new ideas and perspectives to create real change! 

Written by DIllian Mogot (MCR-SGA Press Deputy)

Published by the MCR-SGA Communications Department