In this section, “Program” means the Maryland Civic Excellence Program. There is a Maryland Civic Excellence Program that recognizes the civic readiness and civic engagement of public high school students in the State. Not later than the 2027–2028 school year, the State Board, in consultation with experts and stakeholders, shall adopt regulations to establish the criteria and requirements for awarding a seal of civic excellence to a qualified student who attends a public high school in a participating local school system. The criteria established by the State Board shall include a requirement that, in order to receive a seal of civic excellence, a student must complete a capstone project through an extracurricular activity that is focused on civic service in State, county, or local government. A local school system may choose to participate in the Program. A public high school in a participating local school system may not opt out of participating in the Program. If a local school system chooses to participate in the Program, a public high school shall implement the Program, in accordance with the regulations adopted by the State Board, by incorporating a civic service capstone project into an extracurricular activity at the school that: Is an existing extracurricular activity at the time the local school system chooses to participate in the Program; or Is a new extracurricular activity that is supervised by a paid staff member. A participating local school system that determines a public high school student has fulfilled the criteria established in regulations adopted in accordance with subsection (c) of this section shall: Award the student a Seal of Civic Excellence; and Recognize the award by awarding a cord or medal or by attaching other insignia on the student’s high school diploma. A participating local school system may collaborate with nonprofit organizations, civic organizations, or institutions of higher education to support the implementation of the Program. On or before July 1, 2028, and each July 1 thereafter, each participating local school system shall submit to the Department a report on the Program based on the most recently completed school year.