MD HB57

Establishes the Maryland Civic Excellence Program to recognize public high school students for civic readiness and civic engagement

Requires the State Board of Education to adopt regulations establishing criteria for awarding a Seal of Civic Excellence by the 2027-2028 school year

Mandates that students complete a capstone project through an extracurricular activity focused on civic service in state, county, or local government to receive the seal

Local school systems may choose to participate, but participating schools cannot opt out and must implement the program through existing or new extracurricular activities supervised by paid staff

Participating local school systems must submit annual reports to the Department of Education by July 1, beginning in 2028, and may collaborate with nonprofits, civic organizations, or higher education institutions