Continuing its support for youth civic engagement, the Orange County Department of Education is partnering with the American Board of Trial Advocates and Constitutional Rights Foundation Orange County to host the OC Civic Learning Celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. on April 27.
Presented at OCDE’s conference building in Costa Mesa, the celebration will promote the importance of amplifying students’ voices through civic learning and engagement while highlighting the impressive achievements students throughout the region have made to better their communities.
The event will also bring together local dignitaries and experts who are developing local criteria, identifying pathways and designing curricula for students to earn the new State Seal of Civic Engagement in their district.
In September 2020, the State Board of Education approved criteria for the seal, an incentive aimed at encouraging active and ongoing citizenship. To earn this distinction, students must demonstrate excellence in civic learning, participation in civics-related projects, contributions to their community and an understanding of the U.S. Constitution, the state Constitution and the American democratic system.
Orange County schools have a strong history with the state’s Civic Learning Awards program for building and participating in exemplary civic learning programs and creating service-learning opportunities. In the 2021-22 school year, more than 3,000 local students earned the state seal, which were reflected on transcripts, diplomas or certificates of completion.
Students, educators and administrators in the K-12 system are encouraged to register in advance. The celebration also calls for students to present how they and their peers are working toward finding solutions to issues that are impacting their communities.
The deadline for registration is April 18. For more information about the event, contact OCDE History/Social Sciences Manager Marika Manos at mmanos@ocde.us.