Five public universities in Florida have received more than $12.5 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the American History and Civics Seminars Program. The funds are intended to support initiatives that encourage innovative teaching, learning strategies, and professional development in areas such as American history, civics, government, and geography.
The universities receiving these grants are Florida International University, University of West Florida, University of North Florida, Florida State University, and New College of Florida. The grant distribution includes $4.6 million 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.
Tony Lee, Associate Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs for the State University System (SUS), stated: “In Florida, we are proud to honor America’s legacy and develop informed and engaged citizens at our institutions. 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.”
Ray Rodrigues, SUS Chancellor, said: “Florida is a national leader in advancing civic principles and providing opportunities for students to participate in open discussions on public policy. 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.”
These grants come as part of broader efforts within the State University System to promote civic literacy ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.
