Civic Learning Awards

The application for the 2023 Civic Learning Awards is now live here! All K-12 public schools in California are invited to apply by March 31, 2023.

Awards Program Update
The awards are presented at three levels (Merit, Distinction, and Excellence) in the categories of Elementary, Middle, and High School. Schools receiving the highest honor, the Award of Excellence, traditionally receive a visit by the Chief Justice.

In response to the challenges brought by the pandemic, the 2021 and 2022 awards program adapted to honor single programs, classes, clubs, and individuals. Public health directives further stalled the program with onsite visits restricted.

For 2023, the Civic Learning Awards will return to honoring schools committed to integrating civics campus-wide, and promoting positive citizenry inside the classroom and out. Schools establishing criteria for State Seal of Civic Education will also receive extra credit. All applications go through a rigorous scoring process administered by panelists experienced in civics education and service learning.

Award of Excellence:

Corona Del Mar High School, Orange County
Doig Intermediate School, Orange County
Tarpey Elementary School, Fresno County

Award of Distinction:

Anaheim High School, Orange County
Orange Grove Middle School, Los Angeles County
Los Altos Elementary, Los Angeles County

Champions of Civics:

Teacher: Joel Snyder, Los Angeles County

In addition, 20 schools received Awards of Merit:

Fresno County – Garfield Elementary, Maple Creek Elementary, Oraze Elementary, Red Bank Elementary, Woods Elementary
Los Angeles County – Nelson Elementary, Sparks Middle School, Sunset Elementary
Monterey County – North Monterey County Middle School
Orange County – Cypress High School, Garden Grove High School, Loara High School, Magnolia High School, Norte Vista High School, Santiago Charter Middle School, Santiago High School, Sycamore Junior High School
San Diego County – Literacy First Charter High School, Mt. Everest Academy High School

View sortable table

Civic Learning Award FAQ

1. Is there guidance for sharing details about our program?

The award seeks programs implemented in schools and measured for success. The 2021 award-winning programs will be packaged for replication and shared with schools statewide. In your application, convey how your program can be replicated, describe what was required locally for successful implementation, and how it adapted, or evolved to remote delivery during the pandemic. Points will be not be deducted for any school program put on hold.

2. If our school received an award last year, can we apply again this year?

This year's program focuses on programs and local Champions of Civics. Educators may submit applications regardless of their school's status in previous years.

3. What if my school doesn’t fit the age spans provided?

To promote equity and fairness in the application rating process, programs are evaluated only in comparison to other programs serving the same general age span in these categories: elementary, middle, and high school. Please choose the category that best describes the classes/clubs/programs in your total application.

Award of Excellence:

Corona Del Mar High School, Orange County
Doig Intermediate School, Orange County
Tarpey Elementary School, Fresno County

Award of Distinction:

Anaheim High School, Orange County
Orange Grove Middle School, Los Angeles County
Los Altos Elementary, Los Angeles County

Champions of Civics:

Teacher: Joel Snyder, Los Angeles County

View sortable table

Civic Learning Award FAQ

1. Is there guidance for sharing details about our program?

3. What if my school doesn’t fit the age spans provided?

Civic Learning Awards

2022 Recipients

Past Recipients

FAQ

View sortable table

View sortable table

Quick Links