State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE)

State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE)

The California State Seal of Civic Engagement, marked by a gold seal on the diploma or transcript, recognizes high school graduates who have demonstrated an understanding of civic knowledge; civic skills and action; quality student reflection; and have testimony of student civic-mindedness.                                    

BACKGROUND: The State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) is an opportunity to enable all students, particularly those from marginalized communities, to have relevant, rigorous, and engaging learning opportunities. Such opportunities would enable students to understand that each student matters and belongs in our democratic society and that they have the right and responsibility to make the world, and their community, a better place. The California State Board of Education (SBE) now awards the SSCE to all California students who demonstrate excellence in civics education through civic participation and an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system of government. Here are background resources from CDE on the SSCE and a summary Implementation Roadmap for quick background.

PUHSD ADOPTION: Placer Union High School District (PUHSD) developed and approved the District State Seal for Civic Engagement criteria on August 7th, 2024. 

We would appreciate your support (and support from all high schools) to recognize and celebrate students for what they are already doing to advocate for and serve the needs of our community and our democratic society. To learn about the requirements for earning the seal, please review PUHSD’s State Seal Criteria.

PUHSD TIMELINE for the 2024-2025 school year: The State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) application deadline is March 28, 2025.  

STATE SEAL OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PROJECT & APPLICATION

Below is a recommended guide or process for PUHSD students to complete a civic engagement project and qualify for the State Seal of Civic Engagement

Preparation (ideally, completed by January): 

• Review the self-reflection prompts to determine your civic engagement project.

Civic Engagement Project/Activities (ideally, completed by March): 

• Identify a meaningful problem/issue you want to address/fix (see Sample Student Projects).

• Research into root causes of the problem(s)/issue(s) and discuss different ideas/solutions, by engaging with multiple perspectives, to better address the problem(s)/issue(s).

• Build awareness of the problem(s)/issue(s) and advocate for feasible solutions

• Engage with key decision-makers to address the problem and to advocate for your conclusions and ideas.

• Complete a self-reflection (provided in the application process) (in written, oral, video, or other media formats) to reflect on how you have grown, what impact you had, and how you could improve. 

State Seal of Civic Engagement Application (all application materials MUST be submitted by March 28th):

• Fill out the quick application found below.

• Complete and share your self-reflection (provided in the application process) (in written, oral, or different media formats) with a site/district committee.

• Two character references (non-family mentors) are to be completed. Reference forms will be sent to character reference emails provided within the student application.

For questions about the State Seal of Civic Engagement or the application process, please contact Robert Lemmon, Coordinator of Curriculum & Instruction. RLemmon@puhsd.k12.ca.us; Phone: 530.886.4415