Greatest Good McDonogh

McDonogh's Signature Civic Impact Program

Greatest Good McDonogh teaches students from prekindergarten through twelfth grade best practices in service-learning, philanthropy, community engagement, and social innovation through integrated coursework and experiential learning.

The program is designed to inspire students to find their purpose, grow their empathy, and realize their power and potential to do the greatest good in the world.

Led by David Rothschild '82, the Rothschild Foundations—which are committed to advancing educational initiatives that inspire philanthropic and civic engagement—catalyzed the launch of Greatest Good McDonogh with an endowed commitment and partnership support.

MISSION

To cultivate courage, confidence, and character in students to develop their purpose, recognize their power, and understand their responsibility to actively engage with their local and global community.

VISION

An empathetic community that finds joy and purpose in doing the greatest good in the world.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

The outcomes of this work will inspire our community to shift the focus of our service efforts—from hours to outcomes, from one-way partnerships to reciprocal relationships, and from transactional to transformational.

Cultivate Purpose

By exploring identity, passions, and potential for impact

Develop Empathy

By engaging in mutually respectful relationships which encourage perspective taking and an understanding of diverse cultures

Deepen Understanding of Systems

By studying the complex causes of local and global challenges

Build Advocacy Skills

By developing communication skills and empowering students to be courageous agents of change

Inspire Innovation

By researching and designing creative action plans

2024–2025 Impact Report

Take a look! In this video, our students talk about what they accomplished this past year and the positive impact Greatest Good McDonogh is having in the community!

Greatest Good Case Studies

Explore the ideas, implementation, and impact behind some of our ongoing and completed community service initiatives.

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Questions About Community Service?

Read Our FAQ

Bridges at McDonogh

Launched in the summer of 2024, Bridges at McDonogh is a transformational year-round, long-term program that empowers Baltimore City students ages 9–23 from Title I public schools with academic support, enrichment opportunities, and a pathway to college and career success. The program also offers McDonogh Upper School students opportunities to volunteer as summer counselors or after-school tutors while learning about issues of unequal access and opportunity in Baltimore.

Learn More

Roots Pop-Up Harvest Team Needs You!

Throughout the year, volunteers are needed to harvest the crops that we donate to the Maryland Food Bank's Farm to Food Bank program. If you and your family would like to join the Roots Pop-Up Harvest Team, we'd love to have you. Please sign up, and you will be contacted when crops are ready to be harvested!

Sign Up Here!

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