Sec. 32.5. (a) The department, in collaboration with the commission for higher education, and subject to the approval of the state board, shall establish an excellence in civic engagement designation that may be earned by a high school student and recognized on the transcript of a student in a cohort that is expected to graduate in 2029 or after.

     (b) In establishing criteria for the excellence in civic engagement designation, the department may consider the following:

(1) A student’s documented volunteer hours.

(2) A student’s documented participation in project based learning opportunities that demonstrate engagement in the student’s local community or a statewide initiative.

(3) A student’s successful completion of course work that emphasizes the student’s understanding of civil society, constitutional government, and the democratic process.

(4) Any other criteria the department determines demonstrates excellent civic participation.

     (c) Not later than December 1, 2024, the department shall develop recommendations for an excellence in civics education designation for schools that do the following:

(1) Demonstrate rigorous commitment to developing student understanding of civil society, constitutional government, and the democratic process.

(2) Have a significant number of students who earn the excellence in civic engagement designation on students’ transcripts.

As added by P.L.114-2024, SEC.1.