Civic Learning Award: Centennial High School

Centennial High School

Kern High School District
County of: Kern
Civic Learning Award of: Merit

School Website



Highlight: The We the People course regularly prepares highly successful teams that go on to compete at the state and national level.

Civic Learning Description

Students who participate in the school's nationally recognized We the People program study the six areas of government, and participate in a competitive mock congressional hearing through which they provide testimony and demonstrate critical thinking to an expert panel. The school also fields a competitive mock trial team. In addition, the Government College Prep Course requires students to complete a service-learning project and mock election.


Research-Based Civic Education Practices

This school demonstrates the following research-based best practices in civic education. For more information on research-based best practices, visit the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools website.
  • Provide instruction in government, history, law and democracy, and avoid teaching only rote facts about dry procedures.
  • Discuss current local, national and international issues and events in the classroom, particularly those that young people view as important to their lives.
  • Conduct community service that is linked to the formal curriculum and classroom (Service-learning)
  • Offer extracurricular activities that provide opportunities for young people to get involved in their schools or communities.
  • Encourage students’ participation in simulations of democratic process and procedures such as voting, trials, legislative deliberation, and diplomacy.


Contact Information

Ryan Coleman
8601 Hageman Rd.
Bakersfield, CA 93312
661-588-8601