Five public universities in Florida have received over $12.5 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Education. This funding supports an American History and Civics Seminars Program. The initiative aims to improve civic literacy among students and provide professional development for teachers across the state. Florida State University secured the largest portion of this grant money.
Key Takeaways
- Five Florida universities received over $12.5 million in federal grants.
- The funding supports American history and civics education.
- Florida State University received $4.6 million for two key initiatives.
- Programs target middle school students and fifth-grade teachers.
- Artificial intelligence will be used in some historical interpreter seminars.
Federal Grants Boost Civic Literacy in Florida
The U.S. Department of Education awarded these grants as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. The American History and Civics Seminars Program focuses on promoting a deeper understanding of American history and constitutional government.
Florida State University (FSU) was awarded approximately $4.6 million. This amount is part of a larger $12.5 million total distributed among five institutions. The funds will support two specific projects at FSU.
Grant Allocations
- Florida State University: $4.6 million
- Florida International University: $2.8 million
- University of North Florida: $2.1 million
- New College of Florida: $1.7 million
- University of West Florida: $1.5 million
The first FSU initiative, called "Founding Voices," received $1.7 million. This project will engage middle school students with historical portrayals of America's founding figures. The second initiative, a professional development program for teachers, received the remaining $2.9 million. Its goal is to improve civics instruction.
"We're very proud to have received these grants and are excited to begin work on them," Ryan Owens, director of FSU's Institute for Governance and Civics, stated. He shared this with the Tallahassee Democrat. The institute, established by the Florida Legislature in 2023, aims to become a leading policy institute for developing effective citizens and responsible leaders.
"Founding Voices" Project Engages Middle Schoolers
The "Founding Voices" initiative will deliver 100 in-school seminars over three years. These seminars are designed for middle school students. Sixty of these sessions will feature live historical interpreters. The other 40 sessions will use AI-generated interpreters. These AI interpreters are trained on primary historical sources.
The university expects these interactive seminar experiences to reach approximately 40,000 students and their teachers across Florida. The main goal is to foster a deeper understanding and excitement for American history and constitutional government.
Institute for Governance and Civics
FSU's Institute for Governance and Civics was created by the Florida Legislature in 2023. Its mission is to cultivate the next generation of engaged citizens and responsible leaders. These grants align directly with the institute's core objectives.
Ryan Owens explained how students will benefit from the program. "For example, students will be able to hear from and engage directly with a Founding era interpreter, such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams or Abigail Adams to learn more about the ideas of our founding fathers," Owens told the Democrat.
He added that FSU will conduct a large-scale randomized control trial. This trial will investigate the impact of these experiences on students’ civic knowledge and engagement. This research component highlights the program's commitment to evidence-based approaches.
Professional Development for Fifth-Grade Teachers
The second FSU initiative, named "FIREWORKS," received $2.9 million. This program partners with the Florida Center for Reading Research. It focuses on providing professional development for teams of fifth-grade teachers throughout Florida.
The efforts will concentrate on improving both reading and civics instruction. A key objective is to deepen teachers’ content knowledge of the American founding. This will help them bring these historical lessons to life in their classrooms. Enhanced teacher knowledge directly translates to better student learning outcomes.
According to Owens, this professional development will equip teachers with new strategies. These strategies will help students connect with historical texts and understand civic principles more effectively.
Statewide Commitment to Civic Literacy
In addition to FSU, four other universities in the State University System (SUS) received funding. These include Florida International University, the University of West Florida, the University of North Florida, and New College of Florida. The American History and Civics Seminars Program supports the SUS’s broader commitment to civic literacy initiatives.
“Florida is a national leader in advancing civic principles and providing opportunities for students to participate in open discussions on public policy,” SUS Chancellor Ray Rodrigues said in a prepared statement. "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.”
Florida A&M University did not receive funding because it did not apply for the grant, according to a university spokesperson.
Eligibility Criteria for Grants
The U.S. Department of Education outlined specific criteria for eligibility. Organizations must be "an institution of higher education or other nonprofit or for-profit organization with demonstrated expertise in the development of evidence-based approaches with the potential to improve the quality of American history, civics and government, or geography learning and teaching."
This ensures that the awarded funds go to institutions capable of delivering effective and measurable programs. The emphasis on evidence-based approaches reflects a commitment to educational quality and impact.
“In Florida, we are proud to honor America’s legacy and develop informed and engaged citizens at our institutions,” SUS Associate Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs Tony Lee stated. "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.”
The grants support the State University System's ongoing efforts to enhance civic education. This aligns with state legislative priorities and the broader goal of fostering an informed citizenry. The programs aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for active participation in a democratic society.
