Civic Learning Award Application Timeline Explained

April 13 is the deadline for schools to submit a Civic Learning Application.

What happens next?

A panel of educators, judges, and court outreach coordinators will review applications.

Several judges and educators with ties to the Power of Democracy score applications. Every year, we seek additional panelists to volunteer approximately three hours to review and score applications. Honors are assigned based on the average score collected from several reviewers. The more input we have, the better!

I'll Score!

Panelists will receive 3-4 applications from one grade span. Scores will be added to others and then averaged to calculate the final score for each school. These scores are then submitted to the Chief Justice and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI). Where there is a tie, the panel may be called together to discuss.

On Law Day, May 1, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero will announce the recipients.

Awards are presentation in September to commemorate Constitution Month.

• Award of Excellence (3): Chief Justice Guerrero will present these awards in person. The SSPI is invited and attends when his schedule permits.

  
  

• Award of Distinction (3): These awards are presented by a justice from the District Court of Appeal.

  
  

• Award of Merit (3): These awards are presented by a judge from the county superior court.

Honorable Mention (unlimited): Courts will be notified and offered the opportunity to present the honors. Otherwise, recipients receive their certificates of accomplishment in the mail.

Award support staff will help arrange all visits.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to drop them in the comments or email judicialoutreach@jud.ca.gov.

Thank you!

Penne