Excellence in civics award

(a) Definitions In this section: (1) Applied civics The term applied civics means an educational program applying service-learning methods to provide students with practical and experiential opportunities to apply their civic knowledge and skills. (2) Civic education The term civic education means an educational program that provides participants with knowledge of law, government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens and with skills that enable participants to participate responsibly in democracy. (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Education. (4) Service-learning The term service-learning has the meaning given that term in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511). (5) State The term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other territory or possession of the United States. (b) In general The Secretary may annually award to States, school districts, schools, teachers, and students or groups of students the Excellence in Civics Award to highlight excellence in the delivery and teaching of civic education, applied civics, and service-learning, especially programs that address community needs. (c) Applications (1) In general To be eligible for an award under subsection (b), a State, school district, school, teacher, student, or group of students shall submit an application or be nominated to the Department of Education at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary of Education may require. (2) Contents At a minimum, applications or nominations submitted to the Secretary or the committee created under subsection (d) shall include information specifying— (A) the types of innovative civic education, applied civics, or service-learning programs or projects previously administered or completed; (B) for awards given for service-learning programs or projects, the impact on measurable civics outcomes and learning, or the impact of the project on addressing community or national needs, including disaster relief, education, poverty reduction, ex-offender reintegration, and senior citizen aid; and (C) for awards given for education, the ability of the program, teaching style, or project to be used more broadly across the Nation. (d) Committee The Secretary shall create a select committee to review applications and nominations for and designate recipients of awards under this section. (e) Regulations Not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue such regulations as may be necessary to govern applications and nominations for awards under this section, evaluation of such applications and nominations, and making such awards.