In a constitutional democracy, productive civic engagement requires knowledge of the history, principles, and foundations of our American democracy, and the ability to participate in civic and democratic processes. People demonstrate civic engagement when they address public problems individually and collaboratively and when they maintain, strengthen, and improve communities and societies…

Civics is not limited to the study of politics and society; it also encompasses participation in classrooms and schools, neighborhoods, groups, and organizations…Civics enables students not only to study how others participate, but also to practice participating and taking informed action themselves.

—California History–Social Science Framework

Vision

All California students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, will have frequent access during their TK-12 education to high-quality civic learning opportunities that enable students to learn about civic and political issues, discuss and deliberate issues, consider multiple viewpoints, take informed action, and work with others to address real world problems. 

Purpose

• To recognize young people who are already participating in and knowledgeable about our democracy.

• 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 level.

• To increase civic engagement at the local, state and national levels.