Through its Teaching American History program, the U.S. Department of Education recently awarded 121 grants, totaling $114.7 million, to improve the quality of American history education in districts across 40 states. The program "offers educators opportunities to work with colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, libraries, and museums to learn more about our nation's history, culture, and democratic tradition," said Education Secretary Margaret Spellings. "By providing professional development for teachers, we can help them support young people in becoming active, informed citizens."
The grants fund teacher training and curriculum projects for up to five years. Grantees must partner with institutions that have extensive knowledge of American history.