IUSD is proud to announce that 205 students from IUSD have received the California State Seal of Civic Engagement, a statewide honor that recognizes students for their strong commitment to civic learning, participation and community service. Students from all IUSD high schools–Creekside, Irvine, Northwood, Portola, San Joaquin, University and Woodbridge–earned the award.
The State Seal of Civic Engagement, created in 2021, is given by the state superintendent of public instruction to students who show a solid understanding of the U.S. Constitution, democratic values and the responsibilities of active citizenship. Students who earn the seal receive a gold emblem on their diploma or transcript.
To qualify, California juniors and seniors must meet several requirements, including:
- Stay academically engaged
- Demonstrate an understanding of how federal, state, local and tribal governments work
- Complete thoughtful civic engagement projects that address real community issues
- Show reflection on what they learned and demonstrate character and a commitment to improving their schools and communities
Students who believed they were eligible for this award coordinated with their school sites at the end of last school year. The sites then worked with the state to provide those students with official application forms. This year, more than 15,600 students earned the seal in the 2024–25 school year, with Orange County leading the state with 5,280 recipients.
Congratulations to these students for this honor, and thank you for making a positive difference in their communities!