Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Civic Learning Award For CA Public Schools

Recognizing the important role of public schools in preparing students for participation in our democracy.

2025–26 Application

Applications and additional information for the 2025–26 Civic Learning Awards will be posted in February 2026, to the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative Civic Learning Award External link opens in new window or tab. web page.

About the Civic Learning Awards

The Civic Learning Awards program is co-sponsored by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. The awards recognize and celebrate public kindergarten through grade twelve schools that demonstrate a commitment to providing rich civic learning opportunities for students. The Civic Learning Awards were first presented in 2012 and have recognized more than 350 public schools of all grade levels across California.

The Civic Learning Award program has four levels: Awards of Excellence, Distinction, Merit, and Honorable Mentions. Honorees are selected by a panel of experts based on the depth and breadth of their civic learning classes, clubs, and programs, including the Education Commission of the States' Six Proven Practices for Effective Civic Learning External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF).

Schools receiving the highest honor, the Award of Excellence, traditionally receive a visit by the Chief Justice in the fall and are invited to the California Department of Education (CDE) California School Recognition Program in the spring.

The CDE hopes that you will take this opportunity to recognize the students and civic educators at your school and share this information with them. Additional information is available from the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative External link opens in new window or tab. web page.

Questions:   Professional Learning Innovations Office | PLIO@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Related Content
Recently Posted in Transforming Schools: Superintendent’s Initiatives
No items posted in the last 60 days.