James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation board of trustees member, Judge Terrence Berg, invites Madison Fellows to participate in Federal Judges Association Civics Challenge
Dear James Madison Fellows,
As a member of the James Madison Memorial Foundation Board of Trustees, I have been honored to play a small part in the crucial mission of educating young people about our Constitutional history, a mission to which I know all of you are devoted. I am writing to invite you to participate in a project of the Federal Judges Association called the Civics Challenge. As you can see from the attached materials, this program is an excellent opportunity to increase your students’ basic understanding of civics and the importance of our constitutional principles of self-government. The Challenge invites high school students to take the same citizenship test that is required to become a naturalized citizen. Those scoring 90% or higher will receive an “Excellent Citizen” certificate and be recognized at an official Citizenship Ceremony.
This Challenge is an opportunity to engage students in meaningful ways about our democracy. Your guidance and enthusiasm inspire your students to excel ;in their knowledge and civic engagement. I hope you will consider participating in this Challenge and that it gives you another tool to help your students become active and informed citizens who will contribute positively to our society.
Your hard work and dedication as educators and Madison Fellows, dedicated to teaching Constitutional principles and history, has always inspired me. Our Nation depends on your work in providing the essential foundations that enable young people to participate in our democracy. Thank you for being committed to this important cause.
Warm regards,
Terrence Berg
United States District Judge
Theodore Levin United States Courthouse
Federal Judges Association Civics Challenge
Deadline: December 31, 2023
In celebration of Constitution Day, the Federal Judges Association (FJA) created an annual Civics Challenge offered to high-school students across the country.
Participating classes will have the opportunity to take the same civics test given to individuals seeking U.S. citizenship. Students who score 90% or higher on the civics test, as determined by the participating high school teacher, will have the opportunity to attend a federal court naturalization ceremony in their home judicial district in 2024 before a federal judge.
The Civics Test must be given, graded, and results submitted by the participating high school teacher to FJA Coordinator Susan DeCourcey (sdecourcey@msp-amc.com) by no later than December 31, 2023. Learn more about the Civics Challenge.