Key Points:
- U.S. to prioritize patriotic civics grants.
- America 250 Coalition to prep schools for 2026.
- Funding strengthens civic education.
The U.S. Department of Education announced Wednesday that it will add “patriotic education” as a priority in competitive Civics Grants and history instruction. Officials said the initiative aims to highlight the nation’s founding ideals and provide schools with resources that emphasize civic knowledge and pride.
In addition, the Department launched the America 250 Civics Coalition, a national group of more than 40 organizations that will create educational programming for schools and universities in advance of the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Emphasis on Civic Knowledge and Founding Principles
Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the initiative as supporting teaching that promotes a “unifying and uplifting portrayal” of the nation’s founding values. According to the Department, the effort will complement its recent $160 million investment in American history and civics grants, one of the largest federal funding allocations to the subject in recent years.
The Department’s guidance outlines several areas for future grantmaking, including projects that explore the U.S. Constitution, founding documents, the influence of Western civilization, and examples of how the nation has grown closer to its stated principles over time. Other proposed topics include examining the role of civic institutions and the importance of faith in public life.
Penny Schwinn, chief strategist for the Department, said during a Washington civics conference that civic proficiency should be a national goal. She noted that dedicated funding, accountability, and flexibility for schools will be essential to strengthening civic education and patriotic education across the country.
Preparing Classrooms for the Nation’s 250th Anniversary
The newly formed America 250 Civics Coalition will bring together a wide range of organizations to develop classroom resources, teacher training, and student activities in preparation for the semiquincentennial milestone. Members include colleges, nonprofit education groups, and civics-focused organizations that plan to deliver programming at both the K–12 and higher education levels.
The coalition’s stated purpose is to help educators engage students with history and civics lessons that connect directly to the anniversary. Projects are expected to include curriculum guides, online resources, and classroom activities designed to increase students’ understanding of foundational principles while encouraging civic participation.
According to Department officials, the coalition will also provide opportunities for schools to collaborate with outside partners, giving teachers access to specialized content that can enhance existing history and civics instruction.
Balancing Access and Classroom Needs
Civics education has historically received limited funding compared to other subjects, making the new Civics Grants significant for schools and districts seeking to strengthen their social studies programs. By setting patriotic education as a priority, the Department intends to direct more resources toward lessons that highlight American history and its core values.
Donna Phillips, executive director of the Center for Civic Education, said in a statement that starting with foundational principles provides a strong basis for future civic learning. She added that organizations with expertise in constitutional education will now have expanded opportunities to contribute to classroom instruction.
While educators use a range of approaches to teach civics, the Department emphasized that its funding priorities are meant to reinforce knowledge of history and government while preparing students to participate effectively in civic life. Officials said the broader goal is to ensure that by 2026, students nationwide will have access to resources that deepen their understanding of the country’s origins and the responsibilities of citizenship.