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. After completing our core curriculum the students hosted a naturalization ceremony that was held at The Phoenix Convention Center on Monday, March 23, 2009 with retired Supreme Court 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

We continued to advance our efforts with various high schools in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Our most recent efforts culminated with a naturalization ceremony that was held on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. We partnered with Mesquite High School in Gilbert, AZ to welcome 21 candidates from 20 different countries as they were sworn in as American citizens. We were honored to have the opportunity to welcome distinguished guests Gilbert Mayor John Lewis and Gilbert Councilwomen Linda Abbott and Jenn Daniels to the ceremony. Immediately following the ceremony the students of Mesquite High School hosted a reception for the new citizens and their family and friends.

2010-2011 School Year

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

2011-2012 School Year

Increase outreach to a total of 8 states.

2013-2014 School Year

Expand our program up to 15 states.

By 2024

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 host a naturalization ceremony through the Citizenship Counts’ initiative.