Civic Leader Student Award

The future of Nevada is in the hands of young leaders who step up, speak out, and serve their communities.

The 2026 Civic Leader Student Award honors high school seniors who demonstrate leadership and commitment to civic engagement. Award recipients will be honored with a $250 scholarship toward their post-secondary education, along with a certificate or plaque recognizing their excellence in civics education

By recognizing and empowering students who embrace civics, America250 Nevada is nurturing community engagement and critical thinking skills for the next generation of Nevada leaders.

Student writes in notebook

Fall Applications due January 15, 2026

Application Requirements

  • Achieve 90% or higher on the Nevada Civics Exam

  • Complete at least 3 social studies credits

  • Earn at least a 3.25 grade point average on a 4.0 grading scale (if a different grading scale is used, a 3.85 weighted grade point average on a grading scale approved by the Superintendent of Public Instruction)

  • Using the Citizenship Rubric, student scores a 3 average in all classes

  • Evidence of service-learning project

  • Letters of support: 1 from administrator, 1 from teacher

  • Evidence of civic leadership (e.g., media coverage, event flyers, student-created materials, awards, testimonials)

students in graduation caps, seated at the ceremony so only the backs of the caps are visable

FAQ

  • Spring applications will be due in May to give students adequate time to complete the necessary requirements. Awards will be announced in June. Please come back after April 1, 2026 for the Spring Award Application form.

  • No. While they must meet the same criteria for the Civic Seal, having the Seal itself is not a requirement.

  • The Selection Committee includes members from the America250 Nevada Planning Committee, the Nevada Department of Education, and the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, as well as community members.

  • No, any senior from any Nevada school can apply.

  • Fall winners will be announced in April 2026. Spring award announcements are TBD.

Students in a classroom look at their teacher

IMPORTANT DATES

Application Opens:

September, 23 2025

Application Deadline:

January 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm PT

Committee and Commission Approval

March 2026

Winners notified

April 2026

QUESTIONS?
Get in touch.

Email us at  nevadacivics@nvcce.org