COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — High school students in Ohio will have the opportunity to earn an America 250 Citizenship Seal on their diplomas, state officials announced.
Schools can order the commemorative seal at no cost for students in the class of 2026 who earn the Ohio Citizenship Seal. Students earn the Citizenship Seal by demonstrating knowledge of American history and government.
To qualify for the seal, students must meet one of four requirements in both American history and American government. The requirements include earning a “B” or higher in an American history or government course, scoring proficient or higher on a state exam in history or government, earning a proficient score on an Advanced Placement test, or earning a “B” or higher in a college-level history or government course.
The America 250 Citizenship Seal is one of 12 seals available to Ohio students, which recognize various skills and experiences. Students must earn two seals to meet graduation requirements.
“The class of 2026 has the unique honor of graduating during this historic year,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “I encourage schools across Ohio to order and use the America 250 seal to make students feel more connected with our country’s rich history.”
Schools interested in ordering the seal can do so via a survey provided by the state.
America 250 was created by Congress in 2016 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.