Your school can be more than a place to learn — it can be a place where change happens. By joining the 1 Million Cans Man movement, students and schools can turn everyday recycling into meaningful community action. Collect cans, volunteer your time, take on leadership opportunities, and help your school make a measurable contribution to the 2 Million Cans Challenge and beyond. Whether you're an individual student looking to get involved or a school ready to build a program together, there's a place for you here.
The Graduation Stipend is an opportunity for graduating seniors who are ready to challenge themselves, rise as leaders, and make a difference in their community. This program is designed to bring out the best in students who push beyond expectations, think creatively, and approach their goals with a business-minded focus.
Ideal participants are driven, passionate, and committed to making a difference. They care deeply about recycling, environmental stewardship, and inspiring others to follow their lead. These students don't settle for the minimum — they consistently look for ways to go above and beyond.
If you're a senior who wants to shine, grow, and lead with purpose, the Graduation Stipend is your opportunity to stand out. See eligibility rules below.
Our graduation stipend is designed to support Pierce County students as they take their next step after high school. To be considered, students must meet all of the following requirements:
You must be a currently enrolled high school senior in Pierce County, Washington.
The student must graduate — or be formally on track to graduate — by the date of the Senior Award Ceremony.
The student must complete a minimum of 30 volunteer hours in the activities outlined and approved by 1 Million Cans Man.
The student must collect a minimum of 50 cans by the application deadline to be considered an active participant.
Submit a personal written essay of 500 words or fewer as part of your application addressing all three of the following:
Applications Open: October 1, 2026
Application Deadline: October 30, 2026
Review Period: November 2 - 9, 2026
Can Challenge End Date: April 30, 2027
Award Notification: May 7, 2027
Award Disbursement: Senior Graduation
Ready to apply? Download the Graduation Stipend Application Form below. The form is a fillable PDF, so you can complete it electronically without printing it. Once you have completed the application, save the PDF and email it to us for consideration.
Download Application FormHave you started volunteering? If so, download the Volunteer Hours Tracking Form below. The form is a fillable form, so you can complete it electronically without printing it. Once you have completed the form, save the PDF and email it to us.
Download Volunteer Hours Tracking FormAny high school in Pierce County can participate by sharing the stipend information with their seniors. The stipend program is designed to be zero workload for schools. They simply help seniors access the opportunity. Counselors will receive the official packet which includes the progran overview, eligibility, nomination instructions, application link, timeline, and printable flyer for students. Principals, teachers, counselors, coaches, and staff may nominate seniors who show:
Partnering with 1 Million Cans Man gives schools an easy way to connect students with meaningful opportunities while supporting leadership and community involvement.
Give graduating seniors access to a unique opportunity that recognizes leadership, creativity, initiative, community impact, and environmental awareness.
Schools don't need to create or manage a new program. Simply share the stipend opportunity with eligible seniors and help interested students access the application materials.
Connect your students with a community-focused initiative that encourages leadership, environmental awareness, and meaningful involvement beyond the classroom.
Help deserving seniors showcase the qualities that make them stand out and give them an opportunity to be recognized for the difference they are making in their school and community.
A School Ambassador is a staff member (counselor, teacher, administrator, or support staff) who serves as the primary point of contact between their school and the Graduation Stipend Program.
They are not responsible for managing applications, collecting cans, or handling paperwork. Their role is simple, light, and communication‑focused.
To ensure every eligible senior at their school is aware of the stipend, understands how to apply, and has access to the nomination link.
School Ambassadors help spread the word by:
Ambassadors may nominate seniors themselves or encourage staff to nominate students who demonstrate:
Ambassadors help ensure:
The program is intentionally designed to be zero workload for schools.
Schools may choose:
One ambassador per school is ideal, but schools may choose more.
A Student Ambassador is a senior who helps spread awareness about the Graduation Stipend Program inside their school and community. They are not staff, not administrators, and not responsible for managing applications — they are peer leaders who help other seniors learn about the opportunity. Their role is simple, positive, and influence‑based.
To ensure seniors at their school know about the stipend, understand how to apply, and feel encouraged to participate — especially students who might not normally step forward.
Student Ambassadors help spread the word by:
Ambassadors motivate seniors who show:
They help classmates recognize their own strengths.
Ambassadors help ensure:
Ambassadors can:
Their role is peer‑to‑peer encouragement only.
Schools may select Student Ambassadors through:
Any senior who is positive, responsible, and well‑connected can serve.