Seal of Civic Readiness

The New York State Seal of Civic Readiness (NYSSCR) is a distinction on student diplomas that encourages civic knowledge and participation through experiential learning and the engagement of youth voice, leadership, and action. It lets employers and post-secondary institutions know that students have developed the competencies central to being an active member of a community and society. In addition to serving as a special endorsement on student diplomas, the Seal of Civic Readiness is a graduation pathway, meaning it can stand in for the fifth Regents exam for a Regents or Local diploma.

Civics for All manages the NYSSCR for NYC schools. The Department of Social Studies & Civics has led work in the State to ensure that students are given access to the highest quality civic learning experiences and achieve civic readiness as a result of their K–12 education, while also emphasizing the importance of social studies, civics, and humanities education as central to the development of life-long skills and success. To learn more about the Seal see the resources below. If you are a NYCDOE high school that wants to grant the Seal of Civic Readiness, inquire with civicsforall@schools.nyc.gov to learn more.

Why Offer the Seal of Civic Readiness?

Creates a community of civic leaders and change-makers in your school.
Recognizes the value of civic engagement to school communities and society-at-large.
Provides an additional pathway for some students to achieve a Regents diploma.
Supports rigorous curriculum, project-based learning, and high achievement.
Contributes toward the CCPCI metric on the School Quality Report and to your school's ESSA Accountability Score.