Students and civic‑education groups back statewide Seal of Civic Excellence

Delegate Vogel and a coalition of student leaders, educators and civic‑education organizations testified in favor of House Bill 57 to establish a Maryland Seal of Civic Excellence.

Student witnesses described how recognition and program outreach changed their engagement: election judge stipends and service opportunities sparked continued civic involvement. Representatives from the Maryland Civic Education Coalition and the University of Maryland argued the seal would provide consistent statewide standards, reduce equity gaps in civic learning, and send a durable legislative message that civic learning is essential.

Supporters said Maryland already has service‑learning graduation requirements but that access and implementation vary by county; a statewide seal would provide equity and recognition across diploma tracks. Witnesses asked that the legislature endorse the program to provide long‑term legitimacy and encourage participation in service year, volunteer and civic pathways.

The committee thanked student witnesses and will consider the bill; no formal action occurred at the hearing.