2026 Civic Learning Award Application

To view the application's sections and questions, you may access and print this PDF version.
Schools may submit up to three entries. Each entry must represent a civic learning program, activity (in-class or after-school), and/or event. This award seeks creative, innovative, student-driven efforts that are replicable.

APPLICATION MAX POINTS = 315
- Each entry submitted in the application may earn 85 points total:
  - 30 points for supporting Proven Practices
  - 15 points for inclusion (population engaged)
  - 40 points for instructions replicability
3 entries x 85 points each = 255 possible points
- Each application may earn an additional 60 points overall for demonstrating:
  
  • Student voice and leadership (40 points)
  • Measurable impact (10 points)
  • Connection to Judges in the Classroom program (5 points)
  • Incorporation of civic learning into school district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (5 points)
A Tips Guide is available on Powerofdemocracy.org
School Information
School name and address

School Name

Address

CityCounty

Zip Code
Our school is a:

Traditional SchoolCharter SchoolSpecialized Alternative ProgramOther
We are a:

Elementary SchoolMiddle SchoolHigh SchoolOther
School Principal
Name and Email Address
Principal's Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
School District Name:
School District Contact
Name, Position, and Email

6 Proven Practices in Civic Education

Entry 1 | 30 pts
The Civic Learning Award honors achievements in high-quality programming grounded in the Six Research-Based Proven Practices in Civic Education.

Select up to TWO practices for which you are able to provide evidence, then elaborate using the space provided. Your written description is limited to 400 words and may earn a maximum 15 points each. You may include multimedia, slideshows, etc. (Note: This content will not bring a point advantage, but it may help best describe or demonstrate your practice or practices.)
Select the 2 Strongest Proven Practice(s) of Effective Civic Learning that support this entry:

Proven Practice 1: discusses current local, national, or international issues and events.Proven Practice 2: performs school or community service linked to curriculum.Proven Practice 3: offers extracurricular activities for civic involvement.Proven Practice 4: encourages participation in classroom or school governance.Proven Practice 5: uses simulations or role-plays of democratic processes.Proven Practice 6: provides instruction in government, history, law, and democracy beyond rote facts.
Evidence of Practice(s) for Entry 1:

0/400

6 Proven Practices in Civic Education

Entry 2
Select 2 Proven Practices of Effective Civic Learning that support this entry:

Proven Practice 1: discusses current local, national, or international issues and events.Proven Practice 2: performs school or community service linked to curriculum.Proven Practice 3: offers extracurricular activities for civic involvement.Proven Practice 4: encourages participation in classroom or school governance.Proven Practice 5: uses simulations or role-plays of democratic processes..Proven Practice 6: provides instruction in government, history, law, and democracy beyond rote facts.
Evidence of Practices for Entry 2:

0/400

6 Proven Practices in Civic Education

Entry 3
Select the Proven Practices of Effective Civic Learning that support this entry (choose two):

Proven Practice 1: discusses current local, national, or international issues and events.Proven Practice 2: performs school or community service linked to curriculum.Proven Practice 3: offers extracurricular activities for civic involvement.Proven Practice 4: encourages participation in classroom or school governance.Proven Practice 5: uses simulations or role-plays of democratic processes..Proven Practice 6: provides instruction in government, history, law, and democracy beyond rote facts.
Evidence of Practices for Entry 3:

0/400

Additional Points

MAX 40
School/School District Support of Civics, Student Voice and Leadership
Describe school or district policies that support student leadership and voice. Emphasize how school and district administration provides space for civic learning engagement and activities on campus (40 pts):

0/500
Please explain methods used for measuring the overall impact of your civic learning efforts (10 pts):
Has your school hosted a judge for a Judges in the Classroom visit? (5 pts)
www.powerofdemocracy.org
If your school district's LCAP includes civics, please paste a link to the LCAP below (5 pts):
Words like describing "civics, civic learning, civic engagement" must be included in the Plan.

Contact Information
Applicant:

First NameLast Name
Position
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com
If your school is selected for recognition, would you be open to hosting a judge to present it at your school in September (Constitution Month)?

YesYes, and if it is Sept 17 Constitution Day, even better!NoI'm not sure, but we'll try
File Upload: Screencaptures of social media posts, photos, etc.

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School Information