New Hampshire Seal of Biliteracy
This national award has been adopted by all 50 states across the country. The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, district, or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation.
Students who earn this designation will receive the state seal on their high school diploma and a state issued award certificate. In addition, documentation of this accomplishment will be included on the student’s official high school transcript, a distinction valued by prospective employers and institutions of higher education.
Our State is a better place because of the rich cultural and linguistic assets of our students. This state and national award program allows districts to acknowledge the achievements of New Hampshire’s bilingual students with an official diploma seal, an honors cord to wear at graduation and the award certificate. A notation is also made on the student’s official transcript as a signal to future employers or to institutions of higher education.
*New in 2024*, now offering Seal of Biliteracy (Silver) and Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction (Gold). See descriptions below.
Past Award Recipients
Please see previous awardees in Canvas here.
New 2024 *Pilot Year* NH Junior Seal of Biliteracy
Additionally, a pathway has been created for middle school students who show interest and aptitude in a second language. Please find information below within the Resources for School or District Award Committees.
Resources for School or District Award Committees
The state level Seal of Biliteracy (SoBL) committee has compiled a resource kit to help promote the award through schools and districts in New Hampshire interested in offering this distinction to students.
- Toolkit for Award Coordinators
- Seal of Biliteracy Student Application (High School)
- Junior Seal of Biliteracy Student Application (Middle School)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Student and Family Letter- English
- Student and Family Letter- Spanish
- Student and Family Letter- Portuguese
Upcoming Informational Webinars
The goal of these webinars is to support educators in implementing this award program.
Contacts
The New Hampshire Seal of Biliteracy award is supported through ongoing collaboration between NHED and NH Association of World Language Teachers (NHAWLT). The NH Association of World Language Teachers has agreed to be the stewards of this award. For more information please contact: nhseal@nhawlt.org.
State Seal of Biliteracy Committee Members
Please see the current members here
Congratulations to our 2024 Seal of Biliteracy Winners!
Photo Credit: Michelle Marzelli
