Maryland creates civic awards for students in participating public high schools

The Maryland Civic Excellence Program recognizes students who meet state requirements with a Seal of Civic Excellence. Students must attend a public high school in a participating Maryland school system and meet the State Board of Education’s award requirements. Students must complete a final project through a school activity outside regular classes that focuses on service in state, county, or local government. Participating school systems must award students who meet the requirements a seal and recognize it with a cord, medal, or other symbol on their diploma. The law took effect July 1, 2026. The State Board of Education must adopt award rules no later than the 2027–2028 school year.

Local school systems may join the program, but their public high schools cannot opt out once the system joins. These requirements cover every public high school in a school system that chooses to participate. Schools must follow the State Board of Education’s rules and include the civic service project in an existing activity outside regular classes or a new activity supervised by a paid staff member. Participating school systems must report to the Maryland Department of Education on the most recently completed school year by July 1, 2028, and each July 1 thereafter.