What We Do

Programs & Initiatives

From student-led community projects to structured fellowship programs — explore how Small Hands Count empowers young changemakers at every level.

Student-led initiatives in action

Browse active and recently completed youth initiatives, organized by theme. Every project here was designed and led by students just like you.

Coding camp students
STEM

Community Code Camp

Free after-school coding classes for elementary students, run entirely by high school volunteers.

60 students reached

Community garden
Environment

Harvest Hope Garden

Transformed a vacant lot into a community vegetable garden providing fresh produce to 30 local families.

30 families served

Mural project
Art & Design

Murals for Mental Health

City-wide mural initiative raising awareness of youth mental health, engaging 12 schools.

12 schools, 400+ participants

Wellness workshop
Health & Wellness

Move & Mindfulness Club

Weekly after-school mindfulness and movement sessions supporting youth mental and physical wellbeing.

80 weekly participants

Tutoring program
Education

Westside Reads

Saturday reading program pairing high school volunteers with struggling readers in grades 2–4.

40 students each week

Youth advocacy event
Advocacy

Speak Up Youth Forum

Organized a community forum connecting youth with local decision-makers on issues that affect their schools.

200+ attendees

Start Your Own Project

Structured pathways to leadership

Beyond individual projects, SHC offers curated programs with defined timelines, mentor support, and recognition.

Flagship

Youth Leadership Fellowship

Our flagship program pairs selected students with dedicated mentors for an intensive semester-long journey. Fellows receive seed funding, bi-weekly coaching, and a cohort of peers for peer support. At the close of the Fellowship, participants present their projects at our annual SHC Impact Showcase.

16 weeks Grades 9–12 Seed funding included
Apply for Fellowship
Fellowship cohort meeting
Quarterly

Community Impact Microgrants

Small grants ($100–$500) for student-led projects with a clear community benefit. Any SHC-registered student team can apply. Applications are reviewed quarterly by a panel of mentors and community members. All funded projects receive ongoing SHC support and are featured in our Stories section.

Quarterly applications Grades 6–12 $100–$500 grants
Apply for a Grant
Students presenting their project
Alumni

SHC Ambassador Program

Students who've completed a project become SHC Ambassadors — mentoring new applicants, representing SHC at events and in schools, and contributing to our growing community of practice. Ambassadors gain leadership experience, references, and a network of peers and professionals.

Ongoing SHC alumni Recognition & references
Learn More
SHC ambassadors at an event

Our numbers speak for themselves

Updated seasonally. Last updated: Spring 2026.

120+
Student projects launched since 2021
800+
Students actively supported
75+
Mentors matched with student teams
40+
Communities and schools reached
Read the Stories Behind the Numbers

Ready to launch your project?

Join the hundreds of students who've turned their ideas into real community impact with Small Hands Count.

Start a Project Other Ways to Get Involved