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Community Service Project

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The Community Service Project encourages contestants to give back and make a positive impact in their communities. By completing a simple act of service or donation before the pageant, participants learn the importance of leadership, compassion, and helping others.

What we're looking for...

The Community Service Project is a required portion of the National American Miss competition and makes up 10% of the overall score.

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This competition is designed to inspire contestants of all ages to develop a lifelong commitment to service and community engagement. Each participant completes one act of service prior to pageant weekend, such as:

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  • Donating new children’s books to a local library, school, or community organization

  • Donating school supplies to a classroom or nonprofit of their choice

  • Volunteering at least one hour to help others in need within their community​

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Through the efforts of National American Miss contestants nationwide, more than 20,000 children’s books, countless school supplies, and thousands of service hours are contributed each year. This powerful impact reflects one of NAM’s core values: encouraging young people to grow not only in confidence, but also in kindness and leadership.

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How It Works

Contestants submit their completed Community Service Project Form at Pageant Check-In. This form, available in the pageant paperwork, serves as verification of their donation or service hours. Only one donated item is required to receive full credit, and if volunteering, at least one hour must be completed. While not required, contestants are encouraged to bring a photo of themselves making their donation.

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Scoring

Every contestant who completes the requirement and submits the form at Check-In automatically receives the full 10% allotted for this competition. NAM operates on an honor system regarding service hours and donations.

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Why It Matters

The Community Service Project helps contestants understand the value of giving back, making a meaningful difference in their communities, and developing empathy, responsibility, and a service-focused mindset. This experience often becomes one of the most rewarding parts of the NAM journey, inspiring participants to continue acts of service long after the pageant weekend ends.

Ways to Serve

Junior Divisions

Simple, supervised acts of kindness that help young contestants learn empathy and responsibility.

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  • Donate a new children’s book to a school or local library

  • Create a small “kindness bag” with crayons, stickers, or snacks for a child in need

  • Draw cards for seniors in assisted living or patients in children’s hospitals

  • Help a parent gather gently-used toys or games to donate to a shelter

  • Pick out school supplies to donate to a classroom or community center

  • Participate in a supervised neighborhood clean-up (pick up trash, pull weeds, etc.)

  • Bake cookies (with help!) for firefighters, police officers, or teachers

  • Collect canned goods for a local food pantry

  • Donate pet food or supplies to an animal shelter

  • Help assemble hygiene kits for homeless outreach programs​

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These activities allow young contestants to learn compassion, responsibility, and the joy of helping others while remaining safe and easy to complete with adult guidance.

Senior Divisions

Independent, leadership-building service options appropriate for teens, Miss, and Elite contestants.

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  • Organize a book or school supply drive for a school, shelter, or community center

  • Volunteer at an after-school program, food pantry, or youth organization

  • Host a small fundraiser to purchase books or essential supplies for donation

  • Tutor younger students or assist with homework help programs

  • Create care packages for hospitals, shelters, or deployed service members

  • Coordinate a community clean-up or park beautification project

  • Serve at local nonprofit events or charity races/walks

  • Write letters to seniors, veterans, or hospitalized patients

  • Advocate for a cause by creating awareness posts, flyers, or donation campaigns

  • Use personal skills (photography, design, writing, coaching, etc.) to support a nonprofit

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These options help older contestants practice leadership, initiative, and community engagement in ways that align with NAM’s focus on personal growth and service.

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