Red, White & Blue Schools

The Red, White & Blue Schools program recognizes K-12 public and private schools that are going above and beyond in their delivery of civic education. By participating in this program, schools are promoting being active and engaged members of their communities.

Red, White & Blue Schools is a partnership program between the Connecticut Secretary of the State, the Connecticut State Department of Education, and the Connecticut Democracy Center in residence at Connecticut’s Old State House. Sponsorship funding is provided by CT Humanities.

How Red, White & Blue Schools Works

Schools design civic engagement projects that promote students being active and engaged members of their communities. They use the annual Red, White & Blue Schools rubrics as guides and submit their projects for review. 

To qualify, at least one class in a school must meet the program’s minimum standards as outlined in the rubrics. Whole school systems may be recognized if elementary, middle, and high school classes participate! 

Schools may begin participating at any point during the school year.  prior. Applications are due each spring – check back in the fall for the 2024-2025 deadline! 

Annual Theme

An annual Red, White & Blue Schools theme is selected to get schools thinking creatively about civic education and engagement. The theme aims to allow flexibility and scaling. Projects can be done by a single classroom, a grade level, or a whole school. 

The 2023-2024 theme was Connecting Communities and the 2024-2025 theme will be announced in the fall. 

Recognition

Schools that meet the Rubrics’ minimum criteria will be honored as Red, White & Blue Schools, recognizing their outstanding commitment and dedication to civic education and engagement. They will receive official certificates and can display on their websites and materials that they are recognized as a Red, White, & Blue School. 

Up to three submissions will be recognized as Outstanding Schools and honored at an end-of-year ceremony. Students and teachers will present their projects and receive special plaques to display in their schools. 

Recognized schools will be announced at the end of the school year in an official press release that is often covered by the media.