Hamadeh Launches CD8 High School Civic Literacy Recognition Program

PHOENIX – Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-CD8) has launched a new district-wide initiative in Arizona’s 8th congressional district to recognize high school students who demonstrate exceptional civic knowledge. The goal of the CD8 Congressional Civics Initiative is to boost engagement with local government and American history.

The initiative builds on the state’s existing high school graduation requirements. Students must pass the Arizona Civics Test, a 100-question multiple-choice exam modeled after the civics portion of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization test. A score of 70 out of 100 is needed to graduate, and Hamadeh’s program awards those who score 95 or higher with a formal congressional acknowledgment.

The program is open to all high school students in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, regardless of whether they attend a public, charter, private, or homeschool.

Eligible students will receive official recognition from Hamadeh’s office for their achievement. “I firmly believe that preserving the strength of our Republic begins with educating the next generation about the Constitution, the principles of liberty, and the responsibilities of citizenship,” Hamadeh said in announcing the initiative. “With graduation fast approaching, I want to make sure that our high school students are aware of this opportunity to earn congressional recognition for their accomplishment.”

Details on the congressman’s website emphasize the broader goal. The strength of the Republic depends upon informed citizens who understand the Constitution, respect the rule of law, and recognize the sacrifices made by generations of Americans to preserve liberty. By spotlighting top performers on the civics exam, the initiative seeks to encourage deeper study of foundational American principles at a time when many observers worry about declining civic literacy nationwide. Hamadeh is urging students, parents, teachers, and school administrators across CD8 to take part. Those interested can find application information on his congressional website. “With graduation fast approaching, I want to make sure that our high school students are aware of this opportunity to earn congressional recognition for their accomplishment,” Hamadeh said.

The initiative reflects Hamadeh’s ongoing interest in education policy. Earlier this year, he reintroduced the bipartisan Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act to expand veterans’ access to training in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. Republicans have driven several key STEM initiatives in Congress this year, including reauthorizations and expansions of workforce-aligned education programs to bolster American competitiveness.

The program underscores Hamadeh’s broader push to strengthen education policy nationally while promoting civic literacy, constitutional understanding, and academic excellence among Arizona’s high school students.