U.S. Launches National Grant Program to Revitalize Civic Education for America’s 250th Anniversary

Introduction

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, a renewed focus has been placed on civic knowledge, historical awareness, and the responsibilities of citizenship.

In response to this pivotal moment, the U.S. Department of Education announced in June 2025 the launch of a new grant opportunity:

the American History and Civics (AHC) Seminars Program. This initiative is designed to provide targeted support for the development and implementation of high-quality seminars that will explore the foundational principles of the U.S. Constitution, the nation’s democratic legacy, and the duties of engaged citizenship.

This strategic investment seeks to reestablish the teaching of American political thought, historical texts, and constitutional ideals as a central pillar in K–12 and postsecondary education.

According to Hayley Sanon, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, the program will empower educators and students to uphold the freedoms guaranteed by the Founding documents and to strengthen democratic participation.

The Purpose Behind the AHC Seminars Program

Honoring America’s Founding Principles

The AHC Seminars initiative has been designed not only as a commemoration but as a transformative educational strategy.

With 2026 marking the semiquincentennial of American independence, the Department of Education has prioritized the reinforcement of civic understanding across all educational levels.

Key objectives include:

• Commemorating 250 years of American independence through substantive educational programming.

• Empowering teachers with evidence-based tools for engaging civic instruction.

• Enhancing student understanding of the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights.

• Promoting respect for democratic institutions, critical thinking, and civic leadership.

The AHC Seminars program reflects a national commitment to rebuild the civic foundation of the American classroom at a time when polarization and civic disengagement pose significant societal challenges.

Program Overview and Application Process

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NIA)

On June 25, 2025, the Department released an official Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for the Fiscal Year 2025 AHC Seminars discretionary grant competition.

Educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and academic units are invited to apply.

The AHC Seminars grant is structured as a discretionary program, meaning applicants will be competitively selected based on specific eligibility and evaluation criteria.

Eligibility and Intent to Apply

While applications are open to a wide range of institutions, priority consideration will be given to applicants affiliated with colleges and universities that possess established academic units dedicated to:

• Civic thought

• American political history

• Constitutional studies

• Free market economics

• Political leadership

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a non-binding Intent to Apply form by July 2, 2025, in order to streamline communication and technical assistance during the application process.

Key Focus Areas and Seminar Requirements

Core Components of the Curriculum

Funded seminars must be developed around evidence-based instructional models that explicitly explore:

• The origins and evolution of American democratic thought.

• The philosophical foundations and institutional frameworks of U.S. government.

• The roles of individuals and movements in expanding civic rights and liberties.

• Critical documents such as the Federalist Papers, Gettysburg Address, Emancipation Proclamation, and civil rights legislation.

All seminars must have a direct connection to the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, incorporating historical commemoration into their instructional goals.

Evaluation and Prioritization Criteria

How Applications Will Be Assessed

Each application will be judged based on its quality, feasibility, and potential impact. The selection process will prioritize:

• A clear pedagogical framework rooted in historical accuracy and academic integrity.

• The use of active learning methodologies, including simulations, debates, and primary source analysis.

• A robust plan for measuring educational outcomes.

• Proposals that engage underserved communities, including rural areas and districts with low civic proficiency rates.

Special emphasis will also be placed on the integration of civic education across disciplines, encouraging cross-curricular approaches that link civics to literature, science, economics, and the arts.

Federal Support and Technical Guidance

Webinars and Assistance for Applicants

To facilitate broad participation and ensure high-quality submissions, the Department’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) will conduct a series of free informational webinars throughout July 2025. These sessions will offer:

• Technical guidance on application procedures

• Best practices for designing impactful seminars

• Assistance with budgeting and federal grant compliance

First-time applicants and smaller organizations are particularly encouraged to participate, as the Department aims to democratize access to federal education funding.

Access to Additional Resources

All official documents — including the Federal Register Notice, application instructions, and program guidelines — are available online through the Department of Education’s Grants.gov portal.

These materials provide essential context for proposal development, financial planning, and program execution.

Anticipated Impact on Civic Learning

Rebuilding Civic Knowledge Nationwide

The long-term goal of the AHC Seminars program is to reverse declining trends in civic knowledge, voter participation, and public trust in institutions.

By strengthening the presence of civics in classrooms nationwide, the Department of Education seeks to:

• Foster critical civic engagement among young Americans.

• Build historical literacy through inclusive and inquiry-based instruction.

• Support the professional development of educators tasked with preparing students for democratic participation.

Aligning with the National Civics Learning Strategy

The program operates in close alignment with the National Strategy for Civic Education, launched in 2021 and updated in 2024 to address rising concern over civic illiteracy.

Together, these efforts constitute a coordinated push to reintegrate civic values and historical context into mainstream education policy.

Long-Term Vision and Sustainability

A Legacy Beyond the 250th Anniversary

While the 250th anniversary of the United States serves as the program’s initial focal point, stakeholders envision a long-term transformation of civic instruction.

A successful implementation in 2025–2026 could pave the way for:

• Permanent funding streams for civic education initiatives.

• Development of national teacher certification programs in American history and civics.

• Integration of seminar outcomes into state curricula and assessment frameworks.

Strategic Partnerships for Expansion

To ensure long-term sustainability and innovation, the Department is encouraging collaborations with:

• Historical societies and museums

• Think tanks and policy institutes

• Private philanthropic organizations

• Local and state education agencies

These partnerships will support the scaling and dissemination of best practices across school systems and higher education institutions.

Conclusion

As the United States prepares to mark 250 years since its founding, the launch of the American History and Civics Seminars Program represents a defining moment in the nation’s educational landscape.

Through meaningful investments in civic instruction, the Department of Education is signaling a renewed commitment to the ideals of liberty, justice, and democratic participation.

Educators and students alike will be given the tools to explore — and defend — the principles upon which the nation was built.

In doing so, the AHC Seminars Program promises to shape a generation of informed, thoughtful, and engaged Americans, prepared not only to remember history, but to make it.