News Update

Grant available to help more students earn State Seal of Civic Engagement

California school districts can apply for up to $500,000 to increase the number of high students earning the State Seal of Civic Engagement.

The state has budgeted $5 million for the California Serves Program, which requires districts earning a grant to combine service learning and civic instruction in their programs.

The seal, which is affixed to student transcripts, diplomas and certificates of completion, indicates that the graduate understands the principles of democracy, the United States Constitution and the California Constitution. The student also must have a thorough knowledge of civics education, which includes service learning opportunities as a volunteer in the community.

The funds can be used for paid planning time for teachers, professional development for teachers and administrators, the purchase of instructional materials, personnel costs for coordinating service learning opportunities, and travel and other costs associated with service learning.

Applicants must submit an application to the California Department of Education by 4 p.m. March 10.