Learning Support Services | CA State Seal of Civic Engagement  |  Skip to Content

California State Seal of Civic Engagement

On September 10, 2020, the State Board of Education (SBE) adopted criteria and guidance to award a State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) to California students who demonstrate excellence in civics education and participation, and an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system of government. By adopting these criteria, California joined a small but growing number of states that formally recognize and promote student civic engagement with seals to affix to student transcripts, diplomas, or certificates of completion.

What is the purpose of a state seal of civic engagement? What is the purpose of the State Seal of Civic Engagement Recognize young people who are already participating in and are knowledgeable about our democracy Encourage and create pathways for students to become civically engaged in democratic governmental institutions at the local, state, and national levels
Beginning with the 2020-21 school year, students may submit an application for the State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE).   The deadline to submit an application is April 23rd.   Students will be asked to identify an adult reference who is knowledgeable about the student’s project and can speak to the impact the activities have left on the community.  Please see below for the due dates and deadlines to submit the application and the link to both forms.

SSCE Student Application


SSCE Reference Form

to qualify for the State Seal of Civic Engagement a student must demonstrate: Engagement Be engaged in academic work in a productive way; Democracy Demonstrate a competent understanding of U.S. and California constitutions; functions and governance of local governments including tribal governments; the role of the citizen in a constitutional democracy; and democratic principles, concepts, and processes; Participation Participate in one or more civic engagement project(s) that address real world problems; identify and inquire into civic needs or problems, consider varied responses, take action, and reflect on efforts; Demonstration Demonstrate civic knowledge, skills and dispositions through self-reflection; Character Traits Exhibit character traits that reflect civic-mindedness and a commitment to positive impact the classroom, school, community, and/or society.Our collectionOur collection

Learning-Support

The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is an equal opportunity employer/program and is committed to an active Nondiscrimination Program. PUSD prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, immigration status, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For more information, please contact: Title IX/Equity Compliance Officer, James Jimenez, Associate Superintendent of Personnel Support Services, Poway Unified School District, 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA 92128, 1-858-521-2800, extension 2121, jjimenez@powayusd.com. For students, you may contact Title IX Coordinator Jamie Dayhoff, Director of Attendance and Discipline, Poway Unified School District, 1-858-521-2840, jdayhoff@powayusd.com

 View Annual Notification of Parents’/Students’ Rights English  | Spanish| Professional Standards  | Annual Notification of Employees’ Rights

POWAY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT | 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA 92128 | (858) 521-2800