Grant part of America 250 initiative to immerse K-12 teachers in history of America’s founding
DALLAS (SMU) Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 – SMU Center for Presidential History (CPH) has been awarded approximately $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Education’s American History and Civics National Activities Grant Program as part of the federal government’s America 250 initiative, which commemorates the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Through this three-year grant, CPH will host 100–120 K-12 teachers each summer for intensive professional development focused on America’s founding principles. The workshops will immerse teachers in the ideas and events that shaped the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War and the U.S. Constitution—strengthening both historical knowledge and classroom engagement.
“The principles of our nation’s founding generation have never been more pertinent, or more poignant, than they are today,” said Jeffrey A. Engel, the David Gergen Director of the Center for Presidential History. “As we nationally mark 250 years since their work, and prepare for centuries more, we welcome the opportunity to work once more with our nation’s teachers to bring this era of our past to the next generation of students.”
“Civics and history education are the backbone of our democracy,” Engel continued. “We are thrilled SMU will remain on the forefront of ensuring future citizens, and voters, understand the who’s, what’s, and especially why’s of our Revolution and Constitution. As Thomas Jefferson said, ‘The people are the ultimate guardians of their own liberty,’ and ‘history by appraising them of the past will enable them to judge of the future.’”
In addition to deepening content expertise, participants will receive advanced training in curriculum design and learn to integrate emerging technologies—such as podcasting and digital storytelling—into civics and history instruction. These approaches reflect the Department of Education’s emphasis on evidence-based, innovative teaching methods that help educators reach diverse learners.
The Center for Presidential History at SMU fosters research and public engagement on the American presidency and its wider political and cultural contexts. Through public programming, archival work, and digital initiatives—including the acclaimed The Past, The Promise, The Presidency podcast—the Center connects scholars, students, and the public in exploring the continuing legacy of the nation’s leaders.
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