State Seal of Civic Engagement - How to Earn the SSCE

👉 Follow these five steps to qualify for the State Seal of Civic Engagement!

📄Make sure to document your work and save all resources at every step. 

You will be required to submit them at the end!

Step 1️⃣ – Be Academically Engaged

📌 Requirement: You must be on track to graduate from high school.
✔️ Attending school regularly
✔️ Earning the credits required for graduation

✅ How to Meet This Requirement:

• Confirm with your counselor that you are on track to graduate.

• Ensure you are passing all required courses.

Step 2️⃣ – Demonstrate Civic Knowledge

📌 Requirement: Show a strong understanding of U.S. and California government, local governance, and civic responsibility.

✅ How to Meet This Requirement:

• Complete two free online courses on the California Constitution and Tribal Governance.

🔗 Click below to take the online courses:

California Constitution

Tribal Governance

 (Self-paced, 2-4 hours each, MAKE SURE TO SCREENSHOT AND SAVE YOUR FINAL SCORES)

Step 3️⃣ – Complete a Civic Engagement Project

📌 Requirement: Actively participate in a civic engagement project that addresses a real-world issue.

✅ How to Meet This Requirement:
✔️ Choose a civic issue that impacts your school or community.
✔️ Conduct research to understand the problem.
✔️ Take meaningful action (volunteer, advocate, educate, or innovate).
✔️ Complete at least 5 verified service hours.

🔗 See Project Rubric & Criteria for Success

Step 4️⃣ – Reflect on Your Experience

📌 Requirement: Submit a self-reflection essay that explains your civic engagement experience.

🔹 INSTRUCTIONS:

Write a thoughtful, well-organized reflection that demonstrates your civic learning and impact. Your essay must:
✅ Be at least one full page, 12-pt font, double-spaced
✅ Use clear, specific examples

✅ Check out this rubric to see how to organize your essay

Step 5️⃣ – Obtain a Character Reference

📌 Requirement: Get a recommendation letter verifying your civic-minded character and leadership.

✅ How to Meet This Requirement:
✔️ Ask a teacher, mentor, or community leader to complete a reference.
✔️ They should describe how you demonstrated civic responsibility.

🔗 You can have your recommender fill out this Google Form, or

📄 Save your signed letter of recommendation and submit it with your application.

💡 Pro Tips for Success!

✅ Choose a project that excites you – Passion fuels action!
✅ Start early – Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your service hours.
✅ Stay organized – Keep a journal of your experiences for your reflection essay.
✅ Ask for help – Your SSCE Advisor, teachers, and counselors, and the district H/SS Program Specialist are here to support you!

📩 Ready to Apply?

🎯 Once you've completed all five steps, submit your State Seal of Civic Engagement application!

📅 Application Deadline: April 15th
🔗 Apply Here