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 $2,500 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 May 9, 2026 at midnight

Apply today

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)

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

FAQ

  • No. While they must meet the same criteria for the Nevada Seal of Civics, 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.

  • Spring award announcements are TBD.

Students in a classroom look at their teacher

QUESTIONS?
Get in touch.

Email us at  nevadacivics@nvcce.org