EGUSD SSCE

CA ED CODE Authorizing the State Seal of Civic Engagement:

Assembly Bill 24 (2017) instructed the California Department of Education (CDE) to develop a set of criteria to award students who have demonstrated excellence in civic education.

“It is the intent of the Legislature to establish a State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) to encourage, and create pathways for, pupils in elementary and secondary schools to become civically engaged in democratic governmental institutions at the local, state, and national levels.”

-California Education Code (EC) Section 5147

What is the California State Seal of Civic Engagement?

This seal recognizes qualifying high school seniors who have demonstrated successful achievement and engagement in civic learning. Students who earn this seal have met the qualifications of each of the five criteria determined by the California State Board of Education:

Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) and the State Seal of Civic Engagement

EGUSD awards the State Seal of Civic Engagement to graduating seniors who successfully meet the district guidelines that are based on the five California Criteria for the Seal.

Definition of Terms:

What is Civic Learning?

Civic Learning refers to the comprehensive preparation of citizens for participation in a democracy, broken down into four essential categories:

Civic Knowledge: Understanding the foundations and principles of American democracy, understanding our rights and the responsibilities.
Civic Skills: Abilities for active participation (e.g., collaboration, engaging in respectful dialogue, researching, argumentative writing, or public speaking).
Civic Attitudes: Dispositions that support a healthy democracy (e.g., fairness, respect for the rule of law, concern for the common good, sense of public duty, belief it is possible to make positive change).
Civic Actions: Behaviors that demonstrate active citizenship (e.g., voting, volunteering, engaging with public officials, advocating for issues, working within the system of government and/or a nonprofit agency to solve problems and improve conditions in our communities.

The criteria for the California State Seal of Civic Engagement requires students to show evidence of meeting these categories. See below and on the Criteria & Guidelines Page.

What is Civic Engagement?

Civic engagement for the California State Seal is informed action taken by high school students to address real-world civic issues and make a positive difference in their community or society. This involves identifying and researching a problem and potential solutions, taking significant action, showing impact beyond themselves and immediate peers, and reflecting on the effort. Students must engage with decision-makers or systems of power to apply civic knowledge and provide evidence of the project's impact.

What is the California State Seal of Civic Engagement?

Application DEADLINE: March 31, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Find the application link on the Application Page.