Seal of Civics Literacy

The Arizona Seal of Civics Literacy program recognizes high school students who achieve a high level of proficiency in Civics. The seal is placed upon the student's diploma and noted on their transcript.

Eligibility

Complete all requirements during grades 9-12. The only requirement that can be completed before 9th grade is passing the Arizona Civics Test.
Complete all social studies courses with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Students must obtain a passing score of 70% on the Arizona Civics Test.
Complete activities from each of the three categories. (View drop-downs below for further information.)
- Category 1 - Civic Learning Program (Select any 3 activities)
- Category 2 - Civic Engagement (Complete 30 hours)
- Category 3 - Written Reflection

Categories

Category 1: Civic Learning

Students must complete or participate in at least three instances that specifically focus on civics content and learning (view the Arizona State Standards for guidance on the definition of civics education).
This learning must be other than a traditional senior government course. AP Government is an acceptable program with a score of 3 or above, but it is not required.
Students are not required to participate in an institute or program that requires travel.

ADE Approved Programs can be found under Requirement Details & Approved Programs:

https://www.azed.gov/diplomaseals/sealofcivicslit

Category 2: Civics Engagement

Students must participate in 30 HOURS of civic engagement activities, with at least 10 hours dedicated to civics-specific activities.
Civic specific (engagement) activities are defined as activities:
1. Where students engage with community members (virtually or in person) to identify a cause/issue in the community, state, or nation.
2. That must be validated by a supervisor or leader.
3. Where students are practicing civics and participating in civics (demonstrating their civic knowledge).
4. Are completed with a public agency or civics organization.
5. That occurs outside of class time, but can still be completed at school.
Community service activities are defined as:
1. Unpaid work performed for the benefit and betterment of the community.
2. Working with a credible organzation or group (not affiliated with the family).
3. That are validated by a supervisor or leader.
4. Can be completed based on personal interests and preference.
5. Just being in an organization does not qualify you for service hours (attending a lunchtime meeting for NJHS is not service or civics learning).
Districts/schools should provide a template for documenting these hours.
1. CUSD80 TEMPLATE
2. NJHS Volunteer Hours Form and Reflection (Created by Pinellas County School Board)
If a civic engagement activity is not on the list but meets the requirements, it is approved. There is such a variety of ways for students to participate in civic engagement, the list is practically endless!
Civics engagement activities can also be completed through Category 1 programs/groups. For example: A student may be in the Student Government which counts as category 1 and the student government decides to host a get-out-the-vote campaign on campus which counts as category 2.

ADE Approved Programs can be found under Requirement Details & Approved Programs:

https://www.azed.gov/diplomaseals/sealofcivicslit

Category 3: Written Reflection

Participating students must complete a written reflection on their experiences earning the Arizona State Seal of Civics Literacy. See the Reflection Guidance for prompts, alignment to the standards, and a rubric.

The Written Reflection must meet the following rubric requirements.

Reflective Thinking: The reflection explains the student’s own thinking and learning processes, as well as implications for future learning.
Reflective Thinking: The reflection explains the student’s own thinking and learning processes, as well as implications for future learning.
Making Connection: The reflection articulates multiple connections between this learning experience and content from other courses, past learning, life experiences and/or future goals.

Completion of the following programs meets the written reflection requirement:

Civics, Leadership, and You from the Flinn Foundation
Imprints of Honor (previously Veterans' Heritage Project)
NextGen Roundtable: Student Civil Discourse Lab through CloseUp
Civics Matters Arizona
Civics in a Year Podcast from the Center for American Civics at ASU
Scouting America Merit Badges

Intent to Participate Form Freshman - Junior

Application WINDOW: September 1 – May 21

Applications submitted after the March 5, 2027 due date are accepted, but may not have a diploma seal available for graduation. Students may still apply for a diploma seal until May 21, 2027.