Civic Learning Award for High Schools

November 1, 2012

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New Civic Learning Award for California Public High Schools

Award is co-sponsored by California Chief Justice and State Superintendent of Public Instruction

California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye

SAN FRANCISCO—A new Civic Learning Award for California public high schools will spotlight successful efforts to engage students in civic learning and identify models that can be replicated in other schools.

The award is co-sponsored by California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.

“We hope this award program raises awareness about the important role of civic learning in our public schools and provides teachers with tools to make democracy come alive for students,” said Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye. “Democracy depends on the civic engagement of its people.”

Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye and Superintendent Torlakson will announce the award winners at a statewide civic learning summit to be held February 28 in Sacramento. In addition, they will be joined by former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who will be the summit’s keynote speaker.

Justice O’Connor has said previously that there is an “increasing appreciation that we do need to know how our government works: national, state and local… and that this is part and parcel of the things that every young person wants to know because they want to have an effect.”

More details on the award, application forms, and additional civic education programs and resources can be found on the California Courts website. The deadline for applications is December 14.