Project Purpose

Collage of students participating in Project Purpose

Project Purpose is a unique opportunity for young animal advocates to learn more about Animal Humane Society while empowering them to help make the world a better place for animals.

Project Purpose can also be used to fulfill school or club community service requirements. 

Grades 7–10 

Meeting every other week, students in grades 7–10 will learn about animal welfare and get a behind-the-scenes look at an animal shelter while participating in hands-on service projects and tasks led by our humane education staff. From washing kennels and walking dogs, to socializing critters and assisting AHS staff, youth will play a critical role in ensuring animals are provided with comfort and care as they await adoption into loving new homes.

Grades 3–6

Students in grades 3–6 will learn how shelters play a critical role in animal welfare and focus on service projects — creating materials that can be used to enrich the lives of animals in shelter or foster care.

Registration details

Program fee: $225 for the semester

Students will meet approximately every other week and should wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing that can get dirty.

*Did you miss the start date? Don't worry! Because this program runs throughout the season, we're happy to enroll participants mid-session and prorate the program fee. Reach out via our contact form with questions.

Register now

Golden Valley 3-6 grade: Tuesdays beginning January 28*

Program fee: $225

Ages: 3-6 grade

Time: 6:00 PM-7:30 PM

Dates:

  • January 28
  • February 11
  • February 25
  • March 11
  • March 25
  • April 8
  • April 22
Golden Valley 7-10 grade, Group 1: Wednesdays beginning January 29*

Program fee: $225

Ages: 7-10 grade

Time: 6:00 PM-7:30 PM

Dates:

  • January 29
  • February 12
  • February 26
  • March 5
  • March 26
  • April 9
  • April 23

We try to meet every other week, but we sometimes have to make adjustments

Golden Valley 7-10 grade, Group 2: Thursdays beginning January 30*

Program fee: $225

Ages: 7-10 grade

Time: 6:00 PM-7:30 PM

Dates:

  • January 30
  • February 13
  • February 27
  • March 13
  • March 27
  • April 10
  • April 24
Woodbury 7-10 grade: Tuesdays beginning February 4*

Program fee: $225

Ages: 7-10 grade

Time: 6:00 PM-7:30 PM

Dates:

  • February 4
  • February 18
  • March 4
  • March 18
  • April 1
  • April 15
  • April 29

Example service projects:

  • Adoption Packets
  • Adoption Postcards
  • Critter enrichment items
  • Shoebox puzzle toys
  • Tying blankets
  • Organizing donations

Shelter activities:

  • Filling Kong toys
  • Doing dishes and laundry
  • Spot cleaning kennels and litterboxes
  • Walking dogs
  • Providing enrichment
  • Socializing shy or energetic animals

Questions?

Review our education program policies and FAQs. For additional information about Project Purpose or other programs, please complete our contact form.