The academy of freedom: american history and heritage through environmental education

Howard Payne University received an $881,187 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education under the American History and Civics Education program (CFDA 84.422), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The grant funds "The Academy of Freedom: American History and Heritage Through Environmental Education," an initiative designed to integrate environmental education with American history and civics instruction. This project aligns with the federal program's primary objective to improve teaching and learning outcomes in American history, civics, and government through innovative instructional strategies and professional development.

While specific implementation details are not provided in the award documentation, the project is positioned to serve as a National Activities grant within the program, which typically supports the development and delivery of evidence-based educational approaches, teacher professional development, and curriculum innovations. Given the program's emphasis on serving low-income and underserved populations and the university's designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, the initiative is expected to enhance educational quality and expand access to rigorous American history and civics instruction for K-12 students and educators in the Brownwood, Texas region.