Welcome to Civic Engagement in Santa Clara County!
As part of its commitment to support civic education and engagement, the Santa Clara County Office of Education is dedicated to empowering students to actively participate in civic life. Through programs and initiatives such as youth voting, mock trial, the State Seal of Civic Engagement, Santa Clara County Superior Court Law Day, National History Day, and many more, we aim to inspire and prepare young people to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Our efforts focus on fostering civic literacy by providing professional development for educators, sharing best practices, and creating hands-on learning opportunities that enable students to explore civic participation. These experiences help students analyze, address, and solve complex issues that matter to them and their communities, cultivating a sense of agency and responsibility.
Research shows that robust civic learning extends beyond the classroom, contributing to increased academic achievement, greater student engagement, and reduced dropout rates. High-quality civic education equips students with the knowledge and skills to act as informed voters, serve as responsible jurors, and engage thoughtfully in policy-making processes. By developing the ability to interpret and communicate ideas, negotiate, and collaborate, students are better prepared to positively impact democratic policies, practices, and the lives of those around them.
This commitment aligns with the Framework for California Public Schools, ensuring that by high school graduation, students are ready for college, careers, and civic life. Together, we strive to build a generation of active, informed, and engaged citizens who are ready to shape the future of our democracy.
Student Voice
Your voice matters—at any age!
Get involved in civic engagement through programs like Mock Trial and take action on issues important to you. While you can officially begin earning the
State Seal of Civic Engagement in 11th grade, you don’t have to wait to make a difference! You can lead a Civic Action Research Project at any time to address issues in your community. A great way to begin is by exploring the "What do I Care About" section of the
Youth Voter Toolkit, which helps you identify key issues and find ways to take action. You can also attend school board meetings, city council meetings, and other local events to stay informed and make your voice heard. Your engagement today helps shape the future!
Partners
We are supported in our efforts to foster civic literacy by the following organizations:
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California Department of Education: The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, we prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world.
- The
League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.
- The mission of the
Registrar of Voters (ROV) Office is to provide quality services with the highest level of integrity, efficiency, and accuracy in voter registration and election processes.
- The
Santa Clara County Bar Association provides education and support to member attorneys, advances the local administration of justice, and serves the public by fostering improved public understanding of and access to the legal system.
- The
Superior Court in Santa Clara County serves the public by providing equal justice for all in a fair, accessible, effective, efficient, and courteous manner: by resolving disputes under the law; by applying the law consistently, impartially and independently; and by instilling public trust and confidence in the Court.
