The bill establishes a Minnesota Civic Seal designation for high school students who demonstrate excellence in civics education and engagement. To earn the seal, students must complete activities in various civic competencies, undertake a civics-related project with measurable community impact, and reflect on their learning experience. The criteria for earning the seal are designed to be accessible to all students, ensuring that no specific out-of-school or partisan programs are mandated. Additionally, participation in the program is optional for schools, which must inform students about the opportunity and record the designation on their transcripts without charging any fees.
To oversee the implementation of the Minnesota Civic Seal, the bill creates a Minnesota Civic Seal Task Force, led by the YMCA Center for Youth Voice, and includes members from various sectors, including education, civic engagement, and higher education. The task force is responsible for establishing criteria for the seal, providing guidance to schools, promoting awareness, and submitting annual reports on program participation and outcomes. The bill specifies that the task force members will serve without compensation and outlines their meeting requirements. The provisions of the bill will take effect for the 2027-2028 academic school year, applying to students graduating in 2028 and later.