2008-2009 School Year

Our first pilot program was launched on October 24, 2008 with over 100 Arizona students from Villa Montessori in Phoenix, Arizona and Mission Montessori Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona. The students from these schools completed Citizenship Counts’ core curriculum, The Path to Citizenship, which culminates in the students hosting a naturalization ceremony to welcome new Americans into the community. Their naturalization ceremony was recently held at The Phoenix Convention Center on Monday, March 23, 2009 with Justice Sandra Day O’Connor officiating. Citizenship Counts’ Founder Gerda Weissmann Klein and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne both addressed the audience about the value of American citizenship and the importance of civics education. A student-hosted reception to welcome the new citizens and their guests immediately followed at The Herberger Theater.

2009-2010 School Year

Our program will be implemented in various middle and high schools in Arizona.

2010-2011 School Year

Continue to expand our program in Arizona and introduce the initiative to schools in Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Miami, Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

2011-2012 School Year

Increase outreach to a total of 8 states.

2013-2014 School Year

Expand our program up to 15 states.

By 2020

Program will be available to middle and high school students throughout the United States. Once this goal is met, several million students per year will have the opportunity to plan and attend a naturalization ceremony through the Citizenship Counts’ initiative.