America 250: teaching history & civics through economic lenses

Concordia University, Inc. received a $1,191,462 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), awarded on October 1, 2025. The grant funds the development and implementation of "AMERICA 250: TEACHING HISTORY & CIVICS THROUGH ECONOMIC LENSES," an initiative designed to enhance American history and civics education in elementary and secondary schools with particular emphasis on serving underserved student populations. The project will be completed by September 30, 2026, and aligns with the federal program's broader objectives to improve teaching and learning quality in American history, civics, government, and geography through innovative instructional strategies and professional development.

The AMERICA 250 initiative leverages the economic lens as a pedagogical approach to civics and history education, capitalizing on the national focus surrounding America's 250th anniversary. This type of award is representative of recent American History and Civics Education program investments, which have prioritized curriculum development, educator professional development, and digital education initiatives targeting K-12 populations. As the prime grantee, Concordia University will lead project implementation from its location in Mequon, Wisconsin.