Freedom for the next 250: strengthening american history and civics education, an initiative of the ashbrook center at ashland university

The Ashbrook Center at Ashland University received a $1.37 million 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) for the initiative "Freedom for the Next 250: Strengthening American History and Civics Education." Awarded on October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2026, this grant supports professional development and instructional initiatives designed to improve the quality of teaching and learning in American history, civics, government, and geography. The funding aligns with the program's focus on innovative instructional strategies, teacher professional development, and curriculum development tied to America's 250th anniversary.

As a private, non-profit higher education institution with demonstrated expertise in American history and civics education, Ashland University will deliver products and services under this award that contribute to strengthening civics and American history instruction at the K-12 level. The specific deliverables under the Ashbrook Center's initiative likely include teacher seminars, curriculum resources, and educational programming that promote evidence-based approaches to American history and civics education, with potential emphasis on serving low-income and underserved student populations consistent with the program's objectives.