U.S. Department of Education Launches History and Civics Seminars Grant for America's 250th Anniversary

In anticipation of America's 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education has announced a new grant program designed to deepen students' and educators' understanding of the nation's founding principles. The American History and Civics Seminars (AHC-Seminars) program, launched on June 23, 2025, invites applications for fiscal year 2025 to support evidence-based seminars that celebrate the roots of the United States' constitutional republic.

The program, detailed in a Federal Register notice, aims to "promote new and existing evidence-based strategies to encourage innovative American history, civics and government, and geography instruction." It prioritizes seminars that examine foundational texts such as the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, emphasizing the principles that shaped American governance. "As our nation's 250th birthday approaches, the Department of Education is providing grantees with an opportunity to celebrate the roots of our constitutional republic and teach students about America's Founding principles and the responsibilities of citizenship," said Hayley Sanon, acting assistant secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The AHC-Seminars program targets institutions of higher education with established academic units dedicated to civic thought, constitutional studies, American history, political leadership, and free market economics. Applicants are required to design seminars that directly commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding, fostering a deeper appreciation of the nation's history and civic values among educators and students. The Department has set a performance measure to evaluate the program's success, tracking the percentage of participants who demonstrate increased understanding of American history, civics, and geography through pre- and post-assessments.

The initiative has sparked enthusiasm among education leaders and policymakers. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon promoted the grant on X, stating, "In honor of America's 250th birthday,@usedgov

has launched a new grant opportunity! The American History & Civics Seminars program is now accepting applications for programs that will teach students about America's founding principles." The deadline for submitting an Intent to Apply is July 2, 2025, with informational webinars scheduled to assist applicants.

This grant program aligns with broader efforts to mark the nation's semiquincentennial. For example, the National Endowment for the Humanities has introduced its "Celebrate America!" initiative, offering 250 grants for projects focused on the nation's founding and key historical milestones. Additionally, the National Archives will host a July 4, 2025, event featuring a reading of the Declaration of Independence and tributes to the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. The Department of Education's collaboration with PragerU for an "America 250" exhibit at the White House further underscores the national focus on commemorating this milestone.

However, the program has not been without controversy. Some critics, including a coalition of 18 state attorneys general led by Massachusetts' Andrea Joy Campbell, have expressed concerns over the Department's recent shift away from grantmaking priorities that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. They argue that such shifts could undermine efforts to address educational disparities, though the Department maintains its focus on "prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education."

As the nation prepares for its 250th anniversary, the AHC-Seminars program represents a significant step toward fostering civic engagement and historical awareness. By equipping educators and students with the tools to explore America's founding principles, the Department of Education aims to ensure that future generations appreciate the enduring legacy of the United States' democratic experiment.