SAN JOSE, CA – The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) has received a 2021 Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association (CSBA) for its Power of Democracy Civic Engagement Initiative. Celebrating its 42nd year, the Golden Bell Awards promote excellence in public education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices. The awards identify exemplary programs and honor them to show appreciation towards educators who endeavor to provide access to high-quality education.
The Power of Democracy Civic Engagement Initiative was among 112 entries for 21 categories, judged by a panel of 34 members comprised of experts from school districts and county offices of education.
The initiative was recognized for its success in engaging students in the democratic process and collaboration with civic organizations, such as the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters and Santa Clara County Bar Association, to advance civic education. In its fifth year, the Power of Democracy Initiative continues to provide resources to students exploring civic issues, engaging with youth and hosting events with and for youth such as Youth Voice Live, promoting youth voter education, recognizing exemplary civic education teachers, preparing schools to implement the Seal of Civic Engagement and hosting youth civic engagement programs such as Santa Clara County Mock Trial Invitational and National History Day. The CSBA acknowledged the initiative’s ability to strengthen districts and communities through informed civic participation.
“Through initiatives like The Power of Democracy, SCCOE is expanding access to inclusive, equitable and high-quality opportunities for civic education and leadership,” said Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools Mary Ann Dewan, Ph.D. “We are humbled and honored to accept this award for such a vital initiative."
The Power of Democracy Civic Engagement Initiative was honored at CSBA's Annual Education Conference on Thursday, December 2, in San Diego.
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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 that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.
For more information about the Santa Clara County Office of Education, please visit www.sccoe.org and follow us @SCCOE on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.