Five public universities in Florida have received more than $12.5 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Education through the American History and Civics Seminars Program. The funding is intended to support programs that encourage innovative teaching, learning strategies, and professional development in American history, civics, government, and geography.
The State University System of Florida (SUS) has highlighted these grants as part of its ongoing efforts to improve civic literacy ahead of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The universities awarded are Florida International University, University of West Florida, University of North Florida, Florida State University, and New College of Florida.
“In Florida, we are proud to honor America’s legacy and develop informed and engaged citizens at our institutions,” said SUS Associate Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs Tony Lee. “Through our universities’ Office of Public Policy Events established by the Florida Legislature two years ago, and now with this grant funding, we are strengthening civic knowledge and preparing the next generation of leaders.”
“Florida is a national leader in advancing civic principles and providing opportunities for students to participate in open discussions on public policy,” said SUS Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “I applaud our universities for the forward-thinking and innovative programs that earned these grant awards. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, now is the time to continue advancing civic literacy, and these funds support that SUS goal.”
The grants were distributed as follows: $4.6 million went to Florida State University; $2.8 million to Florida International University; $2.1 million to University of North Florida; $1.7 million to New College of Florida; and $1.5 million to University of West Florida.
More details about how these funds will be used can be found on the full list of allocations available here. Information about how Florida plans to mark America’s semiquincentennial anniversary is also available here.
