NYS Seal of Civic Readiness

The intent of the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness is to encourage the study of civics and civility through experiential learning; certify attainment of civic readiness; provide employers with a method of identifying high school graduates with skills in civics and civility; provide universities with an additional method to recognize applicants seeking admission; prepare students with twenty-first century skills; recognize the value of K-12 Social Studies education in schools as a means to build civic knowledge; empower students as agents of positive social change, and strenghthen our democracy. The NYS Seal of Civic Readiness shall be awarded to students who meet the criteria of this initiative and complete all requirements approved by the Commissioner of the New York State Education Department as established at a New York State High School.

Pathway to Seal of Civic Readiness

Students must earn 6 points over the course of their middle and high school years. At least 2 points must be from the "Participation" domain and 2 points from the "Knowledge" domain. The NYSED breakdowns are listed below.

Students will be eligible to receive the Seal of Civic Readiness upon graduation in the 2023-2024 school year based upon past enrollment in courses, participation in extracurriculars, and service hours awarded. High school students will receive notice of their current point value at the beginning of the 23-24 school year along with guidance on how to fulfill their remaining point requirements. Students will be instructed to fill out the Microsoft Form below to track the completion of activites and accumulate points toward the Seal. Seals of Civic Readiness will be awarded to seniors in the spring of 2024.

Middle school students will begin participating in the 7th grade research project and the 8th grade Capstone project during the 2023-2024 school year. Middle School students have the opportunity to earn 1 point that can be applied towards earning the Seal of Civic Readiness in high school.