Initiative is being introduced to Leander ISD by AACY Caregiving Youth Ambassador for Texas, Madeline Grace Asbell

BOCA RATON, Fla. – November 5, 2025 – The American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) has launched a new opportunity for Leander Independent School District (Leander ISD) students to receive community service credit for the care they provide at home to family members with a chronic illness, disability, injury, and/or aging-related needs.

Through the Caregiving Youth Service Hours Program, students in grades 9–12 can apply to have their caregiving recognized as community service. The initiative is being introduced to Leander ISD by Madeline Grace Asbell, AACY’s Caregiving Youth Ambassador for Texas and member of the Leander ISD Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.

The program exists to help caregiving students be seen and valued for the responsibilities they balance each day. Many high schools and colleges require volunteer hours for graduation or scholarships, but the students who provide care for family members often have limited time for traditional volunteering. AACY advocates that caregiving at home should count as meaningful community service because it requires responsibility, skill, and compassion, often far more than conventional volunteer work.

“Caregiving Youth take on responsibilities that strengthen their families, the healthcare system, and their communities,” said Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, President and Founder of AACY. “The goal of this program is to encourage schools to recognize the care these students provide as a valuable community service.”

Students who provide consistent care, including help with personal care, meals, medication, mobility, or emotional support, can complete the Caregiving Youth Service Hours Form available through AACY’s website. After review, approved applicants will receive an official hours award letter from AACY encouraging their school to recognize their caregiving as community service in accordance with school or district policies.

“Caring for my grandmother with Alzheimer’s showed me how much young people contribute at home without recognition,” said Madeline Grace Asbell. “By introducing this program, I hope schools will see caregiving as real community service and give students credit for the difference they make every day.”

Earlier this year, Madeline helped secure an official proclamation from Governor Greg Abbott recognizing Caregiving Youth Awareness Day statewide and led the first public event in Leander to mark the occasion. Her advocacy also led to an Austin City Council proclamation and a regional resolution to study the impact of Caregiving Youth in Central Texas. Through her platform, Giving Grace, she continues to raise awareness of Caregiving Youth in Texas and across the country. She was recognized by the White House in 2024 as one of the Top 20 Girls Leading Change in America.

For more information about the Caregiving Youth Service Hours Program, visit www.aacy.org or go directly to the application at aacy.org/what-we-do/caregiving-youth-project/service-hour-credits.

About AACY

The American Association of Caregiving Youth® (AACY), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, champions the needs of more than 6 million young caregivers across the United States who provide essential care for chronically ill, injured, elderly, and/or disabled family members. As the leading national voice for Caregiving Youth, AACY raises awareness of this often-hidden population and serves as a trusted resource for families, policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals on the challenges these youth face, regardless of the care recipient’s diagnosis.

Founded in 1998 by Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, what is now AACY provides both direct support and national advocacy to advance understanding and action for Caregiving Youth. Locally, through its Caregiving Youth Project (CYP), the first program of its kind in the nation, AACY serves nearly 700 middle and high school students each year across 44 Palm Beach County schools, with new students enrolling daily. Since its founding at Boca Raton Middle School in 2006, the CYP has supported more than 3,000 youth and their families, offering in-school, out-of-school, and at-home services that address academic, emotional, and family needs through a comprehensive network of community partners. Most students remain in the program for more than five years, reflecting its sustained impact and resulting in an 11-year high school graduation rate of 98%.

Nationally, AACY’s Caregiving Youth Institute (CYI) leads the organization’s C.A.R.E. framework: Connection, Advocacy, Research, and Education to strengthen awareness, partnerships, and policy solutions that support Caregiving Youth across the country. Through national collaborations and affiliates, AACY continues to expand the visibility and support these youth deserve.

Media Contact (AACY):

National Advisory Council Chair, U.S. Development, AACY
Sara Poole | Poole.sara@gmail.com | 703 434 1433

About Madeline Grace Asbell

Madeline Grace Asbell, 17, of Leander, Texas, is a passionate advocate for Caregiving Youth through her platform Giving Grace. Inspired by her own experience caring for her grandmother with Alzheimer’s, Madeline has dedicated her leadership and service to raising awareness for students who balance school and family caregiving. In 2024, she was honored by the White House as one of the Top 20 Girls Leading Change in America and has since helped advance statewide recognition for Caregiving Youth in Texas through Governor Greg Abbott’s proclamation of Caregiving Youth Awareness Day. Madeline also received the Sunshine Award from Hill Country Community Ministries and the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award for her ongoing community service. Her advocacy continues to inspire compassion, awareness, and action through Giving Grace, which empowers caregivers and the communities around them.

To learn more about Madeline Grace Asbell’s advocacy work, visit https://madelinegraceasbell.com/.

Media Inquiries

For interviews or more information about Madeline’s advocacy work, please contact Jennifer Prescott, RN, MSN, CDP, Member of the AACY National Advisory Council and Founder of Blue Water Homecare and Hospice.

Jennifer Prescott | jen@bluewaterhomecare.com | 919-667-7823