State Seal of Biliteracy

# State Seal of Biliteracy The **State Seal of Biliteracy** is a prestigious recognition awarded by various State Departments of Education across the United States. This program honors high school seniors who demonstrate advanced proficiency in two or more languages, including English. The Seal is a symbol of linguistic achievement and is prominently displayed on both the recipient’s high school diploma and transcript, signifying their multilingual abilities to colleges, universities, and future employers. The program celebrates bilingualism and biliteracy as valuable skills in a globalized world. ## Program Structure The State Seal of Biliteracy is a hybrid program, combining in-person and online components. While specific requirements and timelines vary by state, most students begin the process during their senior year of high school. To qualify, students must complete assessments or coursework that demonstrate advanced language proficiency in English and at least one additional language. These assessments could include state-approved language exams, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores, or other recognized measures of proficiency. Students will work with their school counselors or administrators to ensure they meet all state-specific requirements before graduation. ## What Students Experience Participants in the State Seal of Biliteracy program engage in activities that showcase their linguistic skills and cultural understanding. Depending on the state, students may complete written, oral, or interactive assessments in their target language. This program encourages students to deepen their appreciation for multilingualism and often provides opportunities to reflect on how their language skills can be utilized in academic, professional, and community settings. Although mentorship is not a formal part of the program, students may receive guidance from language teachers or school counselors throughout the process. The recognition of their efforts fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment in their bilingual or multilingual capabilities. ## Why It Matters for College Applications Earning the State Seal of Biliteracy strengthens college applications by highlighting a student’s commitment to academic excellence and global awareness. Colleges and universities value multilingual students for their ability to navigate diverse cultural environments and engage in complex communication. Additionally, the Seal signals to admissions officers that the student has invested in developing a skill that is increasingly important in today’s interconnected world. Many institutions also offer advanced placement or college credit for students who demonstrate high language proficiency, further enhancing the benefits of this recognition. ## Eligibility The State Seal of Biliteracy is typically available to high school seniors (grades 12-12) across the United States. To be eligible, students must demonstrate proficiency in English through state-approved standards, such as standardized test scores or coursework, and meet comparable proficiency requirements in at least one additional language. Specific criteria, such as minimum exam scores or required documentation, vary by state. Students should consult their school or state education department for detailed eligibility guidelines. ## How to Participate To earn the State Seal of Biliteracy, students must follow their state’s specific application process. This often involves notifying their school counselor or administrator of their intent to participate, meeting all language proficiency requirements, and submitting any necessary documentation. Deadlines and procedures vary by state, so students are encouraged to research their State Department of Education’s website for detailed instructions and timelines. Since the program is free of cost, it is an accessible opportunity for all eligible students to earn recognition for their bilingual or multilingual skills. For more information, visit your state’s Department of Education website or speak with your school counselor to get started!