SAN JOSE, CA – More than 1,000 students in Santa Clara County were awarded the California State Seal of Civic Engagement, a recognition established by the California Department of Education to honor students who demonstrated a strong understanding of civic responsibility and an ongoing commitment to positively impacting their communities. More than 100 students received their medal in front of a standing-room-only crowd at the Civic Engagement Student Recognition Ceremony on May 18 at the Santa Clara County Office of Education.
“The students’ work reminds everyone that civic engagement isn’t something that starts in adulthood,” said County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. David M. Toston, Sr. “It starts when you see the power you hold to do something greater than yourself.”
Photo: Students from Opportunity Youth Academy, Santa Clara County Office of EducationThe State Seal of Civic Engagement engages youth as active partners in school and community change; supports youth in developing effective communication and working together in more equitable ways; encourages youth to participate in civics education and support our democracy; and empowers youth to become strong collaborators for educational change.
To earn the seal, students must meet five criteria:
- Be engaged in academic work in a productive way.
- Demonstrate a competent understanding of the U.S. and California constitutions, local and tribal governments, democratic principles, and the role of citizens.
- Participate in at least one informed civic engagement project that addresses real-world problems and encourages inquiry, action, and reflection.
- Demonstrate civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions through self-reflection.
- Exhibit civic-minded character traits and a commitment to positively impact their community.
Below is a table that captures the number of state seals awarded to students in their respective districts for the 2025-26 school year:
School District
| State Seals Awarded
|
| Campbell Union High School District | 44
|
| East Side Union High School District | 240
|
| Fremont Union High School District | 1
|
| Gilroy Unified School District | 28
|
| Los Gatos - Saratoga Union High School District | 4
|
| Milpitas Unified School District | 10
|
| Palo Alto Unified School District | 760*
|
| Santa Clara County Office of Education | 17
|
| Santa Clara Unified School District | 31
|
*Additional seals have grades pending.
Photo: Students from Yerba Buena High School, East Side Union High School District
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency committed to serving, inspiring, and promoting student and public school success. For more information about the Santa Clara County Office of Education, please visit www.sccoe.org and follow us @SCCOE on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 
