The Indiana Council for the Social Studies (ICSS) is honored to announce that we have been selected as a 2025 Gold Star Award Recipient by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication, passion, and ongoing commitment of our members, board, partners, and liaisons across the state.
According to NCSS, Gold Star recipients must meet all critical indicators across four categories of excellence—an achievement made possible by the collective work of our statewide community. The awards committee noted reading applications “with great interest and pride” and emphasized the high standards required for this distinction. Indiana
Special Recognition for ICSS
In addition to earning Gold Star status, ICSS received an additional national commendation for Excellence in Membership, DEI, and Recruitment, areas in which our work was considered “particularly outstanding.” NCSS indicated they will look for opportunities to elevate these efforts as a national model for peer councils. Indiana
A Celebration of Our Community
This award reflects the work of hundreds of dedicated educators, advocates, and partners who support social studies learning and teaching across Indiana. As NCSS noted, your hard work “truly makes a difference—not just in your community, but in strengthening the larger social studies family.” Indiana
We are grateful for the continued energy, creativity, and leadership of our members. Thank you for helping ICSS grow, innovate, and lead. We look forward to celebrating this accomplishment together and continuing our shared mission across the state in the year ahead.
