SAN JOSE, CA – More than 650 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. Students were recognized at the Civic Engagement Student Recognition Ceremony on May 19 at the Santa Clara County Office of Education.
“The State Seal of Civic Engagement is more than a recognition – it’s a call to action,” said County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. David M. Toston, Sr. “We can’t wait to see how these young people shape the future in ways we haven’t even imagined.”
The State Seal of Civic Engagement engages youth as active partners in school and community changes; supports youth to develop ways to communicate effectively and to work together in more equitable ways; encourages youth to participate in civics education and support our democracy; and empowers youth to become strong collaborators for education 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 2024-25 school year:
School District
| State Seals Awarded
|
| Campbell Union High School District | 7
|
East Side Union High School District
| 172 |
Los Gatos - Saratoga Union High School District
| 4
|
Palo Alto Unified School District
| 462*
|
Santa Clara County Office of Education
| 21
|
*Additional seals have grades pending.
For information about the California State Seal of Civic Engagement, please visit
https://sccoe.to/SSCE 
Opportunity Youth Academy students pose with County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. David M. Toston, Sr., Assistant Superintendent of Educational Progress Dr. Deborah Gorgulho, and Santa Clara County Board of Education Trustee Jessica Speiser at the recognition ceremony on May 19, 2025.
County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. David M. Toston, Sr., presents a medal to a student for their accomplishment of earning the State Seal of Civic Engagement.
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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. 
