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16h ago

Education Department Launches America 250 Civics Coalition, Sets 'Patriotic Education' Grant Priority

A 30-day comment window opened on a proposed funding priority favoring civics programs centered on founding ideals with an uplifting account of U.S. progress.

Moms for Liberty, the far-right group that’s sought to whitewash school curricula that references inequality and fueled a push to ban library books that conservatives don’t like, is also on the list.
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U.S. President Donald Trump talks to the press on the South Lawn of the White House, in Washington, U.S., September 7, 2025. REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon/File Photo

Overview

  • The department announced a coalition of more than 40 groups, including AFPI, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, the Heritage Foundation, PragerU, and Moms for Liberty, to roll out civics programming ahead of the 2026 semiquincentennial.
  • Planned efforts include a 50‑state college speaker series, K‑12 resources and toolkits, student history competitions, teacher summits, and a "Trail to Independence" tour.
  • A Federal Register notice outlines the proposed grant priority’s themes, such as deeper study of founding documents, the influence of Western civilization, the role of faith, and how the nation has moved closer to its stated principles.
  • The initiative coincides with plans to invest more than $160 million in American history and civics grants, as some prior recipients report receiving non‑continuation notices.
  • Supporters cite declining civics knowledge and seek to honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy; critics object to the coalition’s largely conservative makeup and raise legal concerns about federal influence over curriculum under GEPA.