Hundreds of students are being awarded for more than just their academic achievements — they’re being recognized for their commitment to making a difference in their communities. Thanks to a major local push to promote civic participation, more than 700 high school students will earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) this year, a dramatic leap from just two students a few years ago.
The State Seal of Civic Engagement, established by the California State Board of Education, celebrates 10th-12th grade students who demonstrate excellence in civics education, participate in political or civic projects, and understand democratic principles.
“It’s for students who really promote civic engagement or participation in their communities,” explained Zack Safi, academic technology coordinator for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS). “Our goal was 200 [students] by this year, so we have exceeded expectations.”
“There’s a range of opportunities. We’ve seen whole classes engaged in mock elections. We’ve had a student governing leaders who are working on inclusivity campaigns on campus, something that has a direct impact on students and meets the criteria of civic action.”
— Zack Safi
Students qualify for the SSCE by meeting five criteria, including understanding U.S. and California government structures, completing civic projects, and demonstrating character traits that reflect civic-mindedness. Projects can range widely from community service and campus-based initiatives to political activism and advocacy.
“There’s a range of opportunities — student events and organizations like Leaders in Life, We the People, and Mock Trial,” said Safi. “One district went out to the state capitol to speak to politicians and advocate on behalf of the needs of their local community.”
One example of the program’s impact is Ella Murano, a high school senior who began her civic journey in seventh grade through Leaders in Life. Murano said the program helped shape her leadership skills and sense of purpose.
“Leaders in Life was such a great opportunity,” Murano said. “I’ve learned so much. I’ve gotten to meet so many different people in the community. It’s impressive to see how everyone comes together and works as a team, and how many friends you make out of that.”
Murano also participated in student government for three years, helped lead rally events, and took part in environmental initiatives like community gardens and trash cleanups. She says she didn’t expect to be able to earn the SSCE and describes it as validating.
“It’s such great recognition,” she said. It makes you feel like what you’re doing matters and encourages you to keep going.”
Ryann Bracken and Naomi Vega, students at The Taft Oil Technology Academy, a California Partnership Academy (CPA) at Taft Union High School that focuses on the petroleum industry, got together with a group of their peers to travel to the state capitol and advocate for oil production in Kern County. The group, known as the American Association of Drilling Engineers, led a presentation in front of lawmakers on various topics, from foreign oil imports to the California gas tax to the impact on business. Vega says the experience made her feel like she was taking a proactive step toward helping her community.
“I think it felt amazing. It made me feel very accomplished like I was doing something, not just talking to other people about it,” Vega said.
Students meet with state lawmakers.
Bracken and Vega said they just wanted to help speak for their community, and they didn’t know they could be rewarded for it with an SSCE.
“We went up there for ourselves and for our town. We didn’t want anything out of it,” Bracken said. “Most kids don’t get to do this, and we’re super grateful that we get the opportunity. And getting told that we get a reward for it was super awesome.”
Noah Santillan and Mahdox Gantong, both seniors at Highland High School, shared a similar story of validation after they received their seals for inspiring a passion for reading at the Beale Library. The two joined the National Honors Society and decided to bring back the annual children’s literacy event for National Read Across America Day. They designed a reading corner in the library, hosted storytime events, encouraged literacy, and even performed skits in the auditorium to help bring the books to life.
“We wanted to help a lot of the youth, especially in terms of literacy, seeing the declining rates throughout Bakersfield and Kern County,” Santillan said. “We wanted to bring back the joy of reading in an environment that was just as magical as the books they would pick up.”
Santillan and Gantong say they each grew up instilled with a strong sense of community service, a passion further cultivated through their work with the National Honors Society. They urge students of any age, but especially teens, to get involved in helping their community in any way they can. They want teens to know that the next generation is counting on them to inspire and encourage them.
“My best advice for students is as soon as you can, join a club or try to find something outside of school to help your community,” Gantong said. “There are many different things you can do to have an impact on people, especially younger kids.”
Noah Santillan and Mahdox Gantong earned their SSCE through their work with the National Honors Society at Highland High School.
High school students in grades 10–12 can apply online with verification from an educator or advisor. The seal is placed on student transcripts and high school diplomas when they graduate. Those who earn the seal will now also receive a blue and yellow cord to wear at graduation. The seal can add significant value to college applications, job résumés, scholarship and grant funding applications, and future leadership opportunities.
“I’m going into engineering, and I’m going to focus on petroleum,” Bracken said. “I always tell people to get involved in anything you can because it’ll only help you, and you’ll stand out.”
Civic engagement doesn’t just have to be for high school students. Safi says his department is implementing similar pathways and recognition for elementary and middle school students getting involved in civic activities. Those graduating from elementary and middle school can earn their own certificate and red, white, and blue cord.
Sixth grader Alekha Goldberg and seventh grader Emery Penaloza, who won the California State History Day competition, will receive this recognition when they graduate eighth grade. Safi says it’s all part of an effort to introduce civic engagement at even earlier ages.
“We’re building that pathway,” Safi explained. “Kids don’t just magically become civically engaged in 10th, 11th, 12th grade. The more civic foundations they build early on, the better citizens they become.”
For students interested in applying, Safi encourages contacting school advisors or the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office.
By Katie Avery
Katie Avery joined the Kern County Superintendent of Schools in 2023 as a Communications Specialist. As a former journalist and marketing professional, her passions include media and storytelling. Before joining KCSOS, Avery worked for various local TV stations as well as the health care industry.