Important Dates:
September: Project Proposal Form opens
December 12, 2025: Project Proposal Form Closes
January 12, 2026: SSCE Application Opens
March 13, 2026: SSCE Application Closes
March 20, 2026: SSCE Showcase Registration Closes
April 2026: SSCE Showcase
Welcome to the JUSD Civics State Seal of Civic Engagement Page.
What is the State Seal of Civic Engagement?
The California State Seal of Civic Engagement, marked by a gold seal on the transcript of diploma, recognizes high school graduates who have demonstrated excellence in civic engagement by working towards and advocating for meaningful solutions to a community or social problem; quality reflection of student activities and growth; and have mentor testimony of relevant student civic activities.
Who can apply for the State Seal of Civic Engagement?
Any high school senior who meets the criteria (see State Seal of Civic Engagement: Project Criteria below) may apply for the state seal. Students may complete a project any time during their high school career, and apply for the state seal in their senior year.
When do I apply for the State Seal of Civic Engagement?
You may apply for the SSCE beginning in January of your senior year. You may apply with a previously completed project, or with a project you are completing in the current year.
How do I apply for the State Seal?
Information on how to apply is included on this page. Here you will find:
State Seal of Civic Engagement: Project Criteria
JUSD Project Proposal Application
JUSD State Seal of Civic Engagement Application
Planning and organization resources
Evidence
Earn a minimum 2.0 weighted GPA
Be on track to graduate
Submit an unofficial transcript for verification
Evidence
Complete, or be enrolled in, the following classes or their equivalents:
World History
U.S. History
American Government
Earn a C or better in each of these courses
Submit an unofficial transcript for verification
Evidence:
Students must complete and provide evidence of at least one civic engagement project that includes the following:
Addresses a real-world problem or need;
Investigates the root causes of the problem or need;
Includes bibliography of research;
Explores possible solutions and varied responses to the problem and explains how they chose a specific path;
Develops a plan of action;
Implements plan of action;
Reflects on the implementation, depth, duration, and/or impact, successes and failures of their project.
Evidence of civic engagement project should clearly show the student’s work on the civic engagement project. Project should trace the student’s progress on the topic and include evidence of:
Root cause analysis and research of the problem or need;
The variety of responses student could have taken and why they decided on the project they chose;
The action plan from beginning to end;
Implementation of the action plan.
Student’s civic action
Should consist of a significant duration, depth, and/or impact on the school/community;
A student should be able to justify the significance of their project’s duration, depth, and/or impact. This might include the impact on their own understanding of community problems and the ways they might implement that in the future.
Must be relevant to the identified problem;
Incorporates meaningful action steps to contribute to the identified problem;
May engage with other individuals, groups, or organizations to contribute to solutions.
Projects may be submitted in various formats, including but not limited to: essays, research papers, slide deck, video, multimedia presentation, etc.
Evidence:
Students must submit a reflection product that includes:
What did you learn and how did you personally grow through the process and completion of your civic engagement activity?
How might the things you learned change or impact your future civic actions?
How did you engage with individuals, groups, and/or organizations to advance a common good (for your community and/or society as a whole) or a democratic ideal, such as equity and justice?
What knowledge, civic skills and competencies did you develop and gain as a result of your activity?
To what extent did your efforts meet your desired impact? What might you have done differently or additionally to create a deeper or more lasting change?
Reflection product may include ONE of the following:
Essay
Video
Evidence:
Letter of recommendation or completed JUSD SSCE Civic Endorsement Form from one of the following people:
Educator
Advisor
Supervisor
Civic partner or leader
Coordinator
AND
A self-evaluation form completed by the student
Do you have an idea for a project and want to know if it will meet the State Seal of Civic Engagement requirements?
Click on the image to to access the Project Proposal Form.
All project proposals must be submitted by December 12, 2025 for State Seal consideration.
PLEASE INCLUDE A SIGNED PARENT CONSENT FORM.
Please note: This is NOT the application. You must fill out the SSCE application to be considered for the SSCE.
Are you ready to get started? Follow these steps to begin the process:
Decide on a topic. Not sure where to start? See a list of topic ideas LINKED HERE.
Complete a Root Cause Analysis to decide on what research will inform your civic action.
Research your topic and take action.
Choose a staff mentor to guide you throughout the process.
Create a Google Folder to organize your evidence. Make sure to give your staff mentor access to your folder for review. See the Google Folder Set Up Guidelines page below.
Review and have your parents sign the Parent Information letter (LINKED HERE) *This is required for submitting a Project Proposal Application.
Review the project rubric to make sure you understand the requirements
Submit a project proposal by December 12, 2025. You will be notified if your project meets the requirements of the SSCE by January 2026.
Get detailed information and tips for completing each part of the SSCE requirements.
Review the rubric and have your project mentor sign off and verify your requirements.
Review guidelines for creating a Google Folder in your drive for collecting project evidence.
Please contact Amanda Jaurigue if you have any questions: amanda_jaurigue@jusd.k12.ca.us
