American History and Civics Education National Activities Program

Overview

The purpose of this program is to promote new and existing evidence-based strategies to encourage innovative American history, civics and government, and geography instruction, learning strategies, and professional development activities and programs for teachers, principals, or other school leaders, particularly such instruction, strategies, activities, and programs that benefit students from low-income backgrounds and other underserved populations.

This notice contains one absolute priority, two competitive preference priorities, and one invitational priority. 

Absolute Priority: Innovative Instruction or Professional Development in American History, Civics and Government, and Geography.

Competitive Preference Priority 1: Innovative Activities for Civic Engagement. (up to 5 points) 

Competitive Preference Priority 2: Promoting Equity in Student Access to Educational Resources and Opportunities. (up to 7 points) 

Invitational Priority: Projects that describe how they will foster critical thinking and promote student engagement in civics education through professional development and/or student-facing projects using media literacy, digital citizenship, or other activities designed to support students in—
   (a) Evaluating sources and evidence using standards of proof;
   (b) Understanding their own biases when reviewing information, as well as uncovering and                  recognizing bias in primary and secondary sources;
   (c) Synthesizing information into cogent communications; and
   (d) Understanding how inaccurate information may be used to influence individuals and                        developing strategies to recognize accurate and inaccurate information.

Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require any cost sharing or matching.

Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: May 30, 2023.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: July 12, 2023.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: September 11, 2023. 

Estimated Average Size of Awards: $650,000 per year. 
Estimated Number of Awards: 25–30.
Project Period: Up to 36 months, with potential for renewal of up to an additional 24 months.