Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara Accepts Statewide America250 Outreach Challenge to Expand Civic Education During Constitution Month

SAN JOSÉ, California (August 18, 2026):  The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara has accepted Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero's Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative (POD) America250 Outreach Challenge, committing to connect with at least 250 K–12 students through the end of 2026 as part of the judicial branch's commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary.

Beginning September 1, the Court will launch its Constitution Month outreach efforts by expanding opportunities for students to engage directly with judges and learn about the role of the judicial branch, the United States Constitution, and the importance of civic participation. The Court anticipates reaching its 250-student goal during Constitution Month through classroom visits, educational presentations, and community outreach events.

“We are excited to participate in this year’s challenge and feel confident that we will not only meet but surpass our goal of connecting with at least 250 students starting with our yearly presentations to fifth graders on the Constitution throughout the month of September,” commented Judge Julia Alloggiamento, Chair of the Court Community Outreach Committee and Vice-Lead of the Power of Democracy Initiative.  “Students K-12 become our future leaders, judges, attorneys, and jurors and it is imperative that they have a strong background in civic education and engagement.  Constitution Month is just the beginning of a school year full of opportunities to connect with our Court.” 

The statewide America250 Outreach Challenge encourages California judges and courts to pledge to meet with at least 250 students by the end of 2026. Through classroom visits, courthouse tours, question-and-answer sessions, mock trials, and other educational programs, judges provide students with firsthand insight into the judicial system and the constitutional principles that guide it.

The Santa Clara County Superior Court's Constitution Month programming will include a special civic education event at August Boeger Middle School on September 25, where the school and their students will be visited in recognition of their statewide Civic Learning Award placement. The event will also contribute toward the Court's America250 Outreach Challenge goal.

Teachers and schools interested in inviting a judicial officer to speak with students are encouraged to sign up for “Judges in the Classroom” at www.powerofdemocracy.org.  For additional questions about the Court's civic education programs, please contact: events@scscourt.org.

The Court's participation in the America250 Outreach Challenge reflects its ongoing commitment to promoting civic education, strengthening public trust and confidence in the judicial branch, and fostering meaningful connections between the courts and the communities they serve.

About the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative, supported by Lead Justice Judith McConnell and Vice-Lead Judge Julia Alloggiamento, connects California judges with K–12 students through engaging civic education experiences that promote constitutional literacy, civic engagement, and a greater understanding of the judicial branch. The America250 Outreach Challenge encourages courts throughout California to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary by reaching students through Constitution Month and beyond.