Alaska Color of Justice program receives national civics education award

Williamsburg, Va. (Aug. 4, 2025) — The Alaska Color of Justice program was recognized with the 2025 Sandra Day O'Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education last week.

Presented by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) to honor the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the award recognizes an organization, court, program, or individual who has promoted, inspired, improved, or led an innovation or accomplishment in the field of civics education related to the justice system. 

"For more than 20 years, Alaska's Color of Justice program has encouraged youth from all backgrounds to consider careers as lawyers and judges. It's inspiring to see how community partners embrace the program to work toward a common goal that promotes civics education and builds a strong foundation for the future," said NCSC President Elizabeth T. Clement.

The award was presented to program partner, the Alaska Court System, during the recent annual conference of the Conference of Chief Justices and Conference of State Court Administrators in Maine.

In her nomination, Alaska Administrative Director of the Courts Stacey Marz highlighted the impressive reach of the program – which includes more than 1,600 students statewide since its inception in 2003. During two-day, in-person events for students, the program creatively engages students in learning about the Constitution, U.S. Supreme Court, legal profession, trial advocacy, tribal law and decision-making. Student surveys show significant increased interest in careers in the law after students participated in the program. 

Founded by the National Association of Women Judges, Alaska's Color of Justice program is a collaborative effort involving numerous community, education, legal, tribal, and court partners throughout the state. Partners include the Alaska Court System, Alaska Native Justice Center, the Alaska Bar Association, National Association of Women Judges, University of Alaska Anchorage, Gonzaga University School of Law, University of Washington School of Law, Seattle University School of Law, the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Kawerak Inc., and Koniag Inc.

"The Alaska Color of Justice program, through its exemplary leadership, impactful programming, and dedication to innovation, exemplifies the spirit of the Sandra Day O'Connor Award," Marz wrote.