Montclair Awarded $1.7M Grant to Advance Civic Education

Aligning with our mission as a public-serving university, enhancing prosperity, democracy and well-being in the communities we serve, Montclair State University has been awarded a $1.7M American History and Civics Seminars Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

This award will help us greatly in our efforts to uplift educators and promote new and innovative instruction that is accessible to all learners. This grant will allow Montclair to fund NJ250: Civics and History for the Next Generation, a three-year project that includes two initiatives:

• Teacher Fellowship Program: In each year of the program, 30 middle and high school teachers will form a cohort that will work with subject matter experts to develop engaging curricula that enhance the teaching and learning of American history, civics and economic liberty. Teachers will be paid a $6,000 stipend and their lesson plans will be made publicly available. Applications are now open for the fellowship program.
• Civics Videos: Teacher cohorts will work with Montclair’s College of Communication and Media to create a series of “Schoolhouse Rock-style” short and long-form videos to spark interest in civics and reach an audience beyond the classroom.

The award, part of the the U.S. Department of Education’s American History and Civics Seminars Program, reflects a commitment to strengthening civics education nationwide. Montclair is the only New Jersey institution to receive an award from the $153M National Activities grant.

“At Montclair State University, we believe that preparing all learners to be informed, engaged citizens is one of the most essential roles a public-serving institution can fulfill in our society,” said President Jonathan Koppell. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, this work is more urgent than ever. We are honored to lead efforts that will equip educators and students alike to reflect on the principles and values of American democracy so they can be informed and active citizens engaged in the responsibilities of self-government.”

About the American History and Civics Seminars Program

Efforts from the American History and Civics Seminars Program will coincide with the United States Semiquincentennial, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Funding from the grant will support:

• Seminar-based instruction grounded in founding texts and constitutional principles;
• The creation of short- and long-form educational resources to enhance civics learning for students and the broader public;
• School and community events fostering civil discourse on public issues related to foundational American principles;
• Locally developed curricular resources that meet state academic content standards.

Learn more about NJ 250.

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