Red, White & Blue Schools Logo

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. 

How it Works

Schools design projects using the Red, White & Blue Schools rubrics and submit their projects for review. Schools may begin participating at any point during the school year prior. Applications must be submitted via email to Civics101@ct.gov by Friday, April 26, 2024.

In order 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! 

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. 

This year’s theme is Connecting Communities!

With this theme, students can begin by considering what community means to them. What communities are they a part of? What roles do they play within those communities? How are we all connected through our membership in the community? 

We are excited to see the projects you create with this year’s theme of Connecting Communities!

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 will 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.

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