HONOR CORDS

High school students from participating schools who sign the Civic Engagement Pledge and register to vote are eligible to receive a John Lewis Civic Engagement Honor Cord.

How schools participate

Participating high schools register with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. Students sign the JLMLF Civic Engagement Pledge, confirming that they are registered to vote and intend to remain active in their communities and future elections. Our civic engagement work is nonpartisan and focused on encouraging students to participate in our democracy.

Verification and distribution

Voter registration status will be verified using the Secretary of State’s My Voter page by May 15 or earlier, depending on each school’s graduation schedule. Once verified, the Foundation will send the required number of Honor Cords to the school for distribution.

2025–2026 pilot year

During the first full pilot year at Cedar Grove High School, Drew Charter School and Druid Hills High School in Atlanta, 297 students signed the Civic Engagement Pledge and registered to vote, making them eligible for the John Lewis Civic Engagement Honor Cord.

Questions?

Email info@jlmlf.org.

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2026 Honor Cord - Drew (1).jpg

The Honor Cords are part of LAUNCH18, the Foundation’s high school voter registration work under the broader
B.R.I.D.G.E. program, which supports and encourages the next generation of civic leaders.