Civic Learning Awards | Power of Democracy

2025 Civic Learning Award Application Period is Now Open

Mar 3, 2025 | California Courts Newsroom
The awards are co-sponsored by California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Deadline: April 18

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APPLICATION

Orientation to the 2025 Civic Learning Award:

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero visit Kennedy High School

The Chief Justice of California and State Superintendent of Public Instruction co-sponsor the Civic Learning Awards for California public schools. The award recognizes school-driven, district-supported civic learning efforts that engage students in civic learning.

This year, applications are due April 18. Honors are announced on May 1, Law Day.

FAQ's

For their Award of Excellence 2024, Anaheim Union High School District produced this video of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond visiting John F. Kennedy High School in Orange County.

In 2024, the Chief Justice presented fence banners for schools to display their honor to the community. These awards, including the banners, are made possible with support from the California Lawyers Foundation.

Schools named honorees for 2025 will receive artwork to produce banners, posters, and social media posts. Schools of Excellence will be presented a banner with the traditional bamboo award.

A Day to Remember

Scoring Applications

The Power of Democracy selects a panel of 12 volunteers to score applications. All identifying information is redacted before being shared with the panel. Before applications are forwarded to panel members, fictitious names replace the school name, mascot, county, district, and other identifying details.

A team reviews each application. The team scores are then averaged. In the event of a tie, bonus point credits are added to determine the level of honor. The finalists are presented to the Chief Justice and SSPI for approval.

Ways to Score Big!
Judges want to see:

an overall commitment from school administrators. Support from the District also makes an impression.
examples of student-led activities
measures outlined in the narrative that describe the before and after
overcoming obstacles
efforts that are innovative or non-traditional
connections to the State Seal of Civic Engagement
connections to the California courts
engaging with the surrounding community--with parents, businesses, and local government

These awards celebrate students who know their role in society, and their responsibility to uphold their democracy. By high school, this knowledge is practiced in service learning, and by identifying issues and working to resolve them. Because this is hard to portray in writing, video applications are encouraged.

What does it take to be honored? A variety of things! Often, it takes storytelling skills. Some use photos and videos combined with measured outcomes described in the written application.

Schools of all sizes receive honors. Those who can best portray the scope of student-initiated activities - in video and/or writing - are often the ones who rise to the top.

Gibert High School in Orange County was one of them in 2023.

How much does this cost?

This program is free for California public schools K-12.
What about charter schools?

Yes, our judges visit charter schools, continuation schools, afterschool programs (on a public school campus), credit recovery schools, and juvenile court schools. However, it is up to each court to determine the types of classrooms they visit, and the number of visits they're able to do each year.
Are there exceptions?

You may contact the court directly for special circumstances or events that are outside a public school. Many courts do accept these requests, depending on their resources.
I submitted a request, now what?

When you submit a request, the court in your county is notified. Court processes for coordinating their outreach efforts vary. Don't hesitate to send us an email at judicialoutreach@jud.ca.gov if your request hasn't been responded to, we have resources in other courts, and options for remote visits. If you are unable to host, let the court know. Once a match is identified, you will receive an email or text message (depending on your preference). Please respond at your earliest convenience. It is important you confirm the date and time quickly, otherwise the resource may be assigned to another request. Some courts give one week for teachers to respond before moving on to another match. If requesting parties do not respond within a week, the request may be archived as inactive.
Who do I contact if I have a question or suggestion?

Email POD staff at judicialoutreach@jud.ca.gov or call us at 415-865-4546. Thank you!
I have three classes. Can I request a judge for an assembly?

Of course! Our judges support a variety of scenarios, but it depends on the court. Go ahead and submit details in the request form.
Do you have a list of lessons I can look at and/or use?

Lessons are available on the Lessons Library page. You may download and use it for instruction purposes or select one for a Judges in the Classroom visit.

Orientation to the 2025 Civic Learning Award:

A Day to Remember

List of Honorees

View List

Scoring Applications

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