What is a Self Help Project?

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

Complete the Self Help 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 Self Help 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 Self Help Projects review.

About the Self Help Projects Program

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

All Self Help projects require prior approval by the Seattle Public Schools Self Help 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

Self Help Project Forms

Complete a Self Help Project Application or Grounds Stewardship form. We’ll review your project and get back to you with conditions of approval.

Self Help Project Application Form

Grounds Stewardship Project Registration Form

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