Applications,  Checklists & Rubrics

Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need to begin and complete the application which closes on Friday, March 27, 2026

1. Contact information

2. Email address

3. Contact information for an adult reference who can verify your civic action and civic-mindedness (Criteria 3 & Criteria 5) REFERENCE FORM

4. Semester grades for  US History and US Government courses (or equivalent courses for AP & IB students)

5. Responses to the following prompts (350 word maximum for each):

   • Describe the civic engagement project in which you participated that addressed a real-world problem. Explain what problem you addressed, what results you planned for, and what actions you took.

   • Reflect back on your project. What did you learn about yourself?  How have you grown through your civic engagement project? Explain how your efforts have impacted the community.

   • Reflect on civic engagement. Is there something you could have done differently to create a deeper and more lasting change in your community or school?

6. A list of clubs, activities, and/or awards that demonstrate your civic-mindedness

7. Must include at least one option below with your application that you would like the committee to see, which provides evidence of your civic engagement project(s), activities, and/or civic-mindedness.  

Here are a  few examples of what you might want to include:

• • picture(s) of your civic engagement activities

  • a culminating video highlighting your involvement with real-time footage

  • a resume listing all of your clubs/awards/activities

  • a flyer advertising your civic action project

  • a project paper or presentation

FOR JUNIORS ONLY: 

This section must be completed by juniors applying for the seal. Seniors in good academic standing are not required to complete this section. If a U.S. History teacher facilitates this project in a classroom setting, a lesson surrounding this content may fulfill this writing requirement. If you are completing this assignment individually, outside research is required and a works cited page in MLA format is required with your submission.  

1.       Policymaking happens at the federal, state, and local level. Explain how policies are passed at each individual level:

a.       Federal

b.       State

c.       Local (City, Municipality, or School District)

2.       Policymaking is influenced by various institutions. Explain how each institution can influence the policymaking process.

a.       Political Parties

b.       Special Interest Groups/Community Groups

c.       Media

d.       Voting & Elections

3.       Young adults can engage civically in many ways. Provide at least one example of how you can engage and have an influence in the policymaking process at each of the following levels:

a.       Local Government/Community

b.       State Government

c.       Federal Government