How may a student earn a Kentucky Civic Seal?

A local BOE, school/district, or governing board may determine if and how students become eligible to earn a local Kentucky Civic Seal based on evidence that students show exceptional civic performance in an advanced level of demonstration of the Kentucky Academic Standards for Social Studies. The seal program is an opportunity for students to go above-and-beyond the KAS for Social Studies in demonstrating good citizenship according to four identified elements. Criteria for each element are determined at the BOE/school/district level, and approved by the Kentucky Secretary of State. In the event the school district does not have a program, a district official can apply directly to the advisory board for individual students.

What are possible criteria for eligibility? 

To determine a student’s eligibility to earn a Kentucky Civic Seal, districts and schools may consider the following criteria and artifacts (i.e., demonstrations) for each of the four core elements: 

(1) Civic Engagement Project 

(2) Government and Democratic Principles

(3) Digital Citizenship

(4) Self-Reflection

Note: Although a single artifact may demonstrate several, or all, of the four core elements listed, earning the seal should be reflective of regular student practices, rather than a one-and-done project.