State Seal of Civic Engagement

The State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) is awarded to California students who demonstrate excellence in civics education and participation, as well as an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system of government. To earn the SSCE, students must make productive academic progress toward graduation, complete the grade-level history/social science curriculum, participate in a civic-engagement project addressing real-world problems, demonstrate civic knowledge and skills through self-reflection, and exhibit character traits reflecting civic-mindedness and a commitment to positive impact in their community or society. This initiative, adopted in 2020, aligns California with a growing number of states recognizing and promoting student civic engagement with seals affixed to their academic credentials.