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Civic Diploma Seal

The Washington Civic Learning Council is leading a new initiative to adopt a civic diploma seal program in WA State, in partnership with Fix Democracy First Education Fund, Generation Citizen, the Washington State Council for the Social Studies, a civic seal task force of leading social studies educators, and in consultation with the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

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What's the Problem?

Civics is required, but often limited

  • Current requirement: 0.5 credit in HS civics course

  • Emphasis often on content, not application

  • Limited recognition for students who go beyond the minimum

  • Missed opportunity to connect civics to real-world skills and careers

Why Now?

  • America’s 250th anniversary creates an opportunity to recommit to civic education in WA

  • Washington has strengthened civics requirements—but we can go further

  • Students, employers, and communities benefit from applied civic learning

  • This moment allows new opportunities to revitalize civic education

What is the Civic Diploma Seal?

The Civic Diploma Seal is a formal recognition awarded to students who demonstrate:

  • Exceptional proficiency in civic literacy

  • Civic virtues of mutual respect and cooperation to contribute to the common good

  • Civic engagement for the betterment of the community

Who can earn the Civic Diploma Seal?

In the proposal, all students in Washington State will be eligible to earn the seal. Including students​:

  • With special needs

  • In career and technical education

  • In alternative educational settings

  • Earning a GED

  • Home-schooled​

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Students can earn a silver, gold, or platinum civic diploma seal depending on their involvement over time:

  • Silver for high school​

  • Gold for middle school and high school

  • Platinum for elementary, middle, and high school

What does the seal signify?

Competence, not ideology

Students earning the seal demonstrate the ability to:

  • Actively engage in their communities

  • Navigate public institutions

  • Collaborate across differences

  • Apply civic knowledge in real-world contexts

  • Contribute productively to workplaces and public life

  • Inspire students to serve their communities

Why does it matter?

Educational, Civic, and Workforce Impact

  • Social Studies is a core subject strengthened by active civic engagement

  • Strengthens democracy without partisanship

  • Develops employer-valued skills:

    • Critical thinking

    • Communication

    • Collaboration

    • Ethical reasoning

    • Institutional fluency

  • Rebuilds Washington’s leadership in civic education

  • Invests in our future at the local and state levels, and beyond

Who supports the civic seal initiative?

A complete list of supporters is coming soon.

The civic diploma seal initiative is being led in partnership with:

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Leading the Way:

Woodland High School

In September 2025, Shari Conditt (CLC member), Kyla Keefer, Julia Stepper, and Katie Klaus—four teachers at Woodland High School in Woodland (Cowlitz County), WA—proposed the creation of a new Civics Diploma Seal program to recognize students who have demonstrated exemplary performance in civics.  To earn the Civics Diploma seal, Woodland students need to complete tasks in each of the five virtues: Justice, Civility, Self-Discipline, Service, and Citizenship. This program was given the full support of the Woodland School Board and is the first of its kind in WA State. 

Through

2026

Stakeholder Engagement & OSPI Conversations

January - May

2027

Pass Funding Bill During State Legislature Session

May - August

2027

Onboard School Districts

School Year

27-28

First Year of Implementation

Proposed Timeline

What can you do?

Advocate and share information about the Civics Seal in your community.

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We Need Your Support

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