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Good Citizen Day

Over the past 78 years, Good Citizen Day has recognized, educated, and motivated high school students who demonstrate the qualities of a responsible American citizen.
Students posing at a banquet table during Good Citizen Day

The last best hope on earth

During an all-day civics program at The Union League of Philadelphia, 11th-grade students gain an in-depth understanding of the Constitution and its vital role in a setting deeply linked to one of our country’s defining periods: Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and the war to end slavery and preserve the Union.

This fast-paced, immersive program encourages students to engage in civil discourse while realizing their rights and responsibilities as United States citizens. The League’s Good Citizenship Award is presented upon successful completion of Good Citizen Day.

Nomination process

Students are nominated to participate in the program from partner organizations throughout Greater Philadelphia. General applications outside of the approved agencies are not accepted. 

Students are nominated by their agencies for the following qualities: demonstrate hard work and fair play, have personal attributes of honesty, courage, tolerance, curiosity, and loyalty, and endeavors to follow and uphold the principles of American patriotism.

Active citizens

Awardees are encouraged to return to participate in Founding Forward programs about citizenship, civics, and liberty – and be part of the community.

In their senior year, students are eligible to apply for a Union League Scholarship. The hope is for Good Citizen Day to be the start of a lifelong relationship with both the Founding Forward and Union League communities.

What our students are saying about Good Citizen Day

I learned more about the principles of the US Constitution beyond merely the first 10 amendments that we study in school. I most enjoyed the fact that though we had different backgrounds and opinions about the subject matter, each participant engaged in the discussion in a fruitful way with no resentment. I enjoyed most hearing the interesting and unique suggestions from the other award recipients. I thought that dinner was delicious and again the conversation had over dinner was quite enlightening. It was invaluable to have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful peers.
Apollo
Good Citizen Day participant
My favorite part of Good Citizen Day is the activities we did to create more communication between students. For example, the icebreaker we did in the beginning located in the dining hall helped calm my nerves. I met new faces and found some basic similarities between myself and other students in the room.
Winetta
Good Citizen Day participant
I liked that I was able to interact with other juniors around the Philadelphia region. I was able to learn about them as well as what it means to be a great citizen.
Kieran
Good Citizen Day participant

Questions? Contact us!

This program is open to students who are selected by partner agencies. For more information on Good Citizen Day, please contact us.

Help us inspire tomorrow’s leaders

Founding Forward’s work and mission is made possible through voluntary contributions. We need your support to ensure a future rooted in liberty. Please join our efforts to uphold our democratic system of government with your tax-deductible contribution.