https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/2026-civic-learning-awards-spotlight-excellence-civic-education 2026 Civic Learning Awards to Spotlight Excellence in Civic EducationMartin.Novitski Fri, 02/27/2026 - 12:07 News Release For the 14th consecutive year, state public schools are invited to apply for a California Civic Learning Award. Co-sponsored by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, the awards honor campus-wide integration of civic learning and engagement. A growing number of California's 58 counties are home to schools recognized since the program's inception in 2013. Last year, a total of 34 schools in eight counties received recognition. Schools earning the highest honor received their award in person from Chief Justice Guerrero. “Civics is ingrained campus-wide in the schools we honor,” said Chief Justice Guerrero. “This year, we will focus on the specific programs that make these schools successful in delivering quality civics education to students. We want to identify and replicate these programs as models to benefit schools throughout California.” What’s New in 2026: Schools may submit up to three programs, including clubs or events. A scoring rubric with weight criteria will guide applicants. Programs receiving the highest scores will earn recognition for their school. Honorees will be announced via a livestream during the Chief Justice’s Law Day event on May 1. An orientation for applicants will be held on March 4 at 4 p.m. The one-hour webinar is not mandatory and will be recorded. The awards are presented in partnership with the California Department of Education and supported by the California Lawyers Foundation. Apply now using the official Civic Learning Award application form and find more information about the award at https://powerofdemocracy.org. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-courts-celebrate-constitution-month-statewide-civic-learning-programs California Courts Celebrate Constitution Month with Statewide Civic Learning ProgramsMartin.Novitski Tue, 09/02/2025 - 16:04 News Release Throughout Constitution Month in September, courts across the state will partner with K-12 schools and community organizations to bring judges into classrooms, host courthouse visits, and provide civic learning resources for educators and students. The initiative underscores the judiciary’s commitment to fostering public understanding of the Constitution and the role of the courts in protecting the rights it guarantees. “I am proud of our state courts partnering with schools to actively engage our youth in civic education, and I fully support those efforts. The growth of the Judges in the Classroom program demonstrates the branch’s commitment to connecting with the community and expanding access to quality civic learning throughout the school year.” - California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero Last year, 102 classrooms in 24 counties hosted judges for local Constitution Month events. Highlights for this year include: Judges in the Classroom: Judges will visit schools statewide to lead interactive lessons on constitutional rights, responsibilities, and the rule of law. Civic Learning Awards: Schools recognized for exemplary civic education will receive their honor in person from a local judicial officer. California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero will present the Award of Excellence, an honor she co-sponsors with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Educational resources: The Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative will provide teachers with lesson plans, activity guides, and videos that bring the Constitution to life for students. First Annual Soapbox Challenge: Inspired by educators and students in the Anaheim Union High School District, the most celebrated district honored with 51 Civic Learning Awards since 2013, this competition is available for all schools and encourages students to deliver persuasive speeches on civics issues they feel strongly about. Constitution Month activities align with the judicial branch’s statewide mission to expand civic learning and strengthen public trust in the courts. Public schools may request to connect with the judicial branch by visiting the Power of Democracy Constitution Month website. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/2025-civic-learning-awards-public-schools-honored-excellence-civic-learning 2025 Civic Learning Awards: Public Schools Honored for Excellence in Civic LearningSoltysik, Penne Thu, 05/01/2025 - 08:57 News Release Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero today announced the recipients of the 2025 Civic Learning Awards, California’s highest recognition for public schools promoting civic education. This year’s honorees span the state and reflect the power of civic learning to inspire student leadership, strengthen communities, and connect classroom knowledge to real-world issues. “The creative ways teachers are engaging students are always impressive," said Chief Justice Guerrero. “But this year, it moved me to see teachers stepping aside and giving space for their students to lead their school and community-based efforts. These schools show us what’s possible when students are empowered to engage in their communities and take on the responsibilities of citizenship.” The Civic Learning Award of Excellence, the top honor, was presented to: Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary (San Jose, Santa Clara County) The two-campus school integrates civic engagement across grade levels, from mock elections to community service. Students participate in projects like the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day and civic art showcases, while partnerships with local judges and civic leaders deepen real-world connections. Sparks Middle School (La Puente, Los Angeles County) With a longstanding tradition of excellence, Sparks uses its Project LEAD program to immerse students in civic life through mock trials, legislative debates, community service, and digital citizenship. The program fosters student voice, leadership, and strong ties with local government and nonprofits. Norte Vista High School (Riverside, Riverside County) Students at Norte Vista lead civic initiatives that address mental health, food insecurity, and voter turnout. Civic learning is embedded across disciplines, and the school boasts nearly 20,000 hours of student-led service annually. Partnerships with local organizations expand opportunities for advocacy and global citizenship. Three schools are recipients of the Awards of Emeritus for continuing their 2024 achievement of excellence, Madera Elementary School in Ventura County, and Natomas Pathways Prep Middle School and High School in Sacramento County. South Junior High School in Orange County earned the Award of Emeritus at the Merit level. "This year, we introduced the Emeritus tier to honor the schools that consistently get top scores," explained Administrative Presiding Justice Judith McConnell, Lead of the Chief Justice's Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative. "This gives room for other schools making an equally honorable impact." Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Julia Alloggiamento, Vice Lead of the Power of Democracy, announced the honors of Distinction to Anaheim High School in Orange County, August Boeger Middle School in Santa Clara County, and Garfield Elementary in Fresno County, and the Award of Merit awarded to Norwalk High School in Los Angeles County, Antioch Charter Academy II in Contra Costa County, and Emperor Elementary in Los Angeles County. The Civic Learning Award program is co-sponsored by the Chief Justice of California and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. It promotes the “Six Proven Practices in Civic Learning,” which include instruction in government, service-learning, student voice, and real-world simulations of democratic processes. For a full list of honorees and details about the Civic Learning Award program, visit powerofdemocracy.org. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/2025-civic-learning-award-application-period-now-open 2025 Civic Learning Award Application Period is Now OpenSoltysik, Penne Mon, 03/03/2025 - 13:29 News Release Now in its 13th year, the Civic Learning Award program honors schoolwide achievements in civics. The award has been presented 541 times to K-12 schools in 32 counties. With some adjustments for this application period, the award program hopes to attract schools in every county in the state.   New Application and Expanded Application Period  Applications were posted on Feb. 28, two weeks earlier than in previous years. The deadline is extended to Apr. 18 versus the traditional Mar. 31 due date.  "Over the years, some applicants have shared their feedback with us about the amount of time it took to complete an application, so we added the video application option," said Justice Judith McConnell, lead of the Chief Justice's Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative. "What led to a few changes this year came from what we learned from teachers who didn't apply."  The 2025 program will also highlight the video application option. These and other updates to the application will be reviewed during a technical assistance webinar for applicants on Mar. 11 at 4 p.m.  "We feel that with these few changes we can make the awards more accessible to every K-12 public school in California," added Justice McConnell. Basis for the Award "The six proven practices for effective civic education have been the foundation of these awards since they launched in 2013. This year, we've added more specific prompts by grade to help guide applicants to include the specific information our scoring panel looks for," said Judge Julia Alloggiamento who helps lead the initiative. "That information includes a summary evaluation of the reach and impact of their efforts." "Judge Alloggiamento's input has helped us look at the application experience with a fresh set of eyes. The support she is providing this program and to prospective applicants is appreciated by me and our co-sponsors," said Justice McConnell. The awards program is made possible in partnership with the California Department of Education, with support provided by the California Lawyers Foundation. For details visit www.powerofdemocracy.org    https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/constitution-month-2024 Constitution Month 2024Karen.Datangel Tue, 10/08/2024 - 14:35 Feature September marked the third consecutive year the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative (POD) made Constitution Day a month-long celebration in the state of California. Initially launched to keep courts connected remotely with schools during the pandemic, the tradition remains to inspire a range of activities. This September, courts received 367 requests for the school year from K-12 educators in 24 counties. This number far exceeds the number of requests for the 2023-2024 school year. "Chief Justice Guerrero asked the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative to introduce outreach to courts in smaller counties, or with no prior connection to local schools," commented Associate Justice Judith McConnell who leads the POD initiative. "I'm thrilled to see courts come forward and committing to visits to schools because they recognize how important it is. And the judges and students alike are rewarded." Monterey County had its first-ever Judges in the Classroom visit, joining San Benito, Glenn, Humboldt, and Lake Counties as the newest counties to join the Judges in the Classroom program. This year's Constitution Month celebration also included visits to two 2024 Civic Learning Award recipient schools, with one Award of Excellence school receiving a visit from Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.  On September 6, Judge Julia Alloggiamento, the Vice Lead of the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative, was awarded the California Judges' Association Judicial Outreach Award for her dedication to bridging the gap between the judiciary and community. The award is presented to an outstanding judicial officer only every three years. Here is a look at some other outreach engagements that took place throughout the state: Santa Clara County The Santa Clara Superior Court had the highest number of Judges in the Classroom visits during Constitution Month with more than 60 visits to fifth grade classrooms, engaging 3,286 students across the county. September 17 marks Constitution Day, celebrating the signing of the document that forms the foundation of our democracy. This month members of the Court will visit 60 5th-grade classrooms, engaging 3,286 students in interactive lessons on the U.S. Constitution! pic.twitter.com/VpuPTZPKAO — Santa Clara County Superior Court (@SCSCourt) September 17, 2024 On September 24, the court presented the Civic Learning Award of Distinction to Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary (IJAVVE). The award ceremony kicked off with Judge Evette Pennypacker delivering a lesson to fifth graders on the Constitution and the government. The lesson was followed by remarks from school principal Dr. Anthony Alvarado on the importance of civic education, remarks by faculty member Ms. Friend on school culture, and remarks by the student body president and vice president. The event also featured a presentation of IJAVVE’s student leadership initiatives, including their Weekly Morning Announcements, Buddy Classes, Lower-Grade Games, and the Ruby Bridges Day event. Orange County Orange County Superior Court Presiding Judge Maria Hernandez accompanied Chief Justice Guerrero and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond to present the  2024 Civic Learning Award of Excellence school visits to John F. Kennedy High School in La Palma. The event highlighted Kennedy High’s efforts to prepare students for active citizenship through voter registration drives, mock trials, soapbox speeches and debates, as well as Anaheim Union school district's role in promoting the State Seal of Civic Engagement. Watch a video from the visit to Kennedy High: Mendocino County After visiting the Mendocino County Courthouse in Ukiah, Chief Justice Guerrero and State Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) met with 15 fifth grade students in Ukiah schools to talk about the U.S. Constitution and how the three branches of government interact. “Since September is Constitution Month in California, this forum provided a perfect opportunity for the Chief Justice and Senator to answer students’ questions and hear about what they are learning," said Kim Turner, Court Executive Officer for the Mendocino Superior Court, to The Ukiah Daily Journal. El Dorado County The Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District held a special oral argument session at Union Mine High School on September 24. More than 200 students from four high schools in the county attended. Attendees heard two cases and had the opportunity to ask the justices questions at the end of the session. Justices also spoke with students about their career paths. Since 2000, the Third Appellate District has held oral argument sessions in 30 high schools and two law schools in 20 counties of its district. Monterey County From September 16-26, judges, commissioners, and temporary judges from the county visited with fifth grade students in nine local elementary schools. The judicial officers provided constitutional law presentations followed by dialogues to highlight the important rights and obligations of all American citizens. San Benito County San Benito County Presiding Judge Omar Rodriguez delivered lessons in a few local elementary school classrooms. Presiding Judge Rodriguez shared more about his positive experience volunteering with Judges in the Classroom: One parent recently told me that my story of growing up in this small town and becoming a judge here has made her kids look at their community differently and believe that they too can find opportunities here.  Learn more about Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative (POD). https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/chief-justice-honors-orange-county-high-school-excellence-civics Chief Justice Honors Orange County's Kennedy High School for Excellence in CivicsSoltysik, Penne Tue, 10/01/2024 - 13:35 Feature On Monday, September 23, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero celebrated achievements in civics in a familiar place, the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD). A year earlier, she visited Gilbert High School just six miles away with the same purpose, to present students and teachers the prestigious Civic Learning Award of Excellence. The award is the highest honor in civic learning in California and is presented annually by the Chief Justice and co-sponsor State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. This is the 9th Award of Excellence in the Anaheim Union High School District since they started applying in 2016. With this honor, AUHSD becomes the first district in the state to have every school honored for achievements in civics.  In 2021, AUHSD Superintendent Mike Matsuda was named a "Champion of Civics" for his achievements, leading the school district in innovative ways that helped develop the district as a model for supporting civics. "When I visit campuses like Kennedy, I'm excited to meet teachers and students who demonstrate how they explore and creatively use these open civic spaces created by the vision and leadership of Superintendent Mike Matsuda and his team," said Chief Justice Guerrero. For 2024, AUHSD's South Junior High School and Anaheim High School received Civic Learning Awards of Merit. In the coming weeks, the Chief Justice will present awards to schools in Sacramento and Ventura Counties.  A list of all schools honored since 2013 is available on the Chief Justice's Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative website Power of Democracy. Bookmark this site if you're interested in applying for the 2025 Civic Learning Award. Applications are posted in February and announced on Law Day, May 1.