DCPS recognizes students who have shown dedication to global education through The Global Scholars Certificate (GSC), Seal of Biliteracy, and Excellence in Global Competence awards.
The Global Scholar Certificate (GSC) is a diploma and transcript recognition open to secondary students across the district. The GSC indicates that a student has dedicated significant time to develop their global competence and has demonstrated an exceptional level of global understanding.
Are you a high school student in a DC Public School? Are you currently enrolled in a language course and/or plan to complete three years of any language study while you're in high school? Are you ready to show the world that you are a global citizen? If you answered "YES," you are eligible for the GSC!
Applications must be submitted for review by March 15th of the school year and will be reviewed quarterly. All other application materials must be submitted by May 1 of the school year.
In the context of today’s globalized world, DCPS wants to recognize students who have exhibited a commitment to biliteracy and bilingualism. The DCPS Seal of Biliteracy is an award presented to DCPS juniors and seniors who have attained proficiency in English plus one or more additional languages. Students who have taken assessments that are tracked by DCPS (PARCC/DC CAPE, ACCESS, SATs, APs) will automatically be notified by their counselors that they have received the award. Students who are proficient in a language that is not pat of the AP system can request to demonstrate proficiency through a STAMP test or other assessment. In addition, students who qualify for the Seal and also demonstrate cultural competency through an immersion experience in the target language, or who demonstrate proficiency in three or more languages, are eligible for The DCPS Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction. Seniors who will receive proficiency exam scores after graduation should still apply; these students will be considered Candidates for the Seal of Biliteracy until scores are confirmed.
For more information, please visit The DCPS Seal of Biliteracy website or contact Juliette Steadman at Juliette.Steadman@k12.dc.go.
The Excellence in Global Competence Award is a honor that recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in the domains of global competence: Investigating the World, Recognizing Perspectives, Communicating Ideas, and Taking Action. This award is presented to three students each year, one each from elementary, middle, and high school. The nominees for this award are selected by their peers, teachers, and community members, and presented with the award at the annual Global Education Showcase.
Do you know a student who has excelled in one or multiple domains? If so, they may be eligible for this award. To nominate them, please fill out a brief form that includes a description of the domain(s) in which they have demonstrated excellence and the nominee's contact information. Nominees will be notified in May.
Nominations will open in Spring 2025.
See SY23-24 Winners
