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Each fall, the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Pennsylvania Bar Foundation sponsor the “Celebrate the Constitution” program for Pennsylvania schools. This award-winning program (formerly called “I Signed the Constitution”) gives students an opportunity to learn about the United States and Pennsylvania Constitutions through fun and informative learning activities. The program assists schools by providing lesson plans on the Constitution and classroom ideas for mock Constitution signings and constitutional conventions. It makes civic learning inviting and entertaining for students of all ages. It also gives Pennsylvania lawyers and judges an opportunity to visit classrooms and help with the signings.

In 2004 Congress passed a measure requiring all educational institutions that receive federal money to offer students an instructional program on the U.S. Constitution each September 17 (Constitution Day). The measure applies to all public and private institutions, including high schools, colleges and universities that receive federal money. The “Celebrate the Constitution” program satisfies that requirement.

The annual program kicks-off during Constitution Week, the third week of September, and continues through Bill of Rights Week in December.

To date, schools in nearly all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties have taken part in the program - with over 75,000 student participants of diverse backgrounds statewide.

All participating schools will receive the free program and lesson plan guide from the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Pennsylvania Bar Foundation and pocket Constitutions (while supplies last).

** New - Fall 2008 "Celebrate the Constitution" Program

Fall 2007 "Celebrate the Constitution" Program
Fall 2006 "Celebrate the Constitution" Program
Fall 2005 “Celebrate the Constitution” Program
Fall 2004 “Celebrate the Constitution” Program
Fall 2003 “Celebrate the Constitution” Program
Fall 2002 “Celebrate the Constitution” Program
Fall 2001 “Celebrate the Constitution” Program
Fall 2000 “Celebrate the Constitution” Program
Fall 1999 “Celebrate the Constitution” Program

PBA Wins National Outreach Award