From BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
Furthering its mission of promoting civil discourse and informed citizenship, the Democracy and Public Policy Network at Bowling Green State University is seeking K-12 teachers to participate in the second cohort of a multi-year program aimed at bolstering American history and civics education in schools across the region.
With support from the U.S. Department of Education, the Democracy and Public Policy Network’s CIVICs 250 Scholars program will provide nonpartisan education and professional development opportunities for up to 40 teachers each year for the next two years to enhance history and civics instruction in their respective districts.
Applications for the program’s 2027 cohort are open through Monday, Oct. 19.
As part of the program, the Democracy and Public Policy Network will establish learning communities among Ohio K-12 teachers to develop lessons and resources focused on the nation’s foundational principles, including the ideas, traditions, and institutions essential to understanding American government and history. Teachings will also focus on America’s founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, the anti-Federalist Papers, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and more. Each program will culminate in a one-week summer seminar on the BGSU campus to help teachers further hone their lessons and skills.
In addition to providing participants with six continuing education units – or CEUs – the CIVICs 250 Scholars program will also offer selected teachers a $600 stipend upon successful completion of the program.
“We are thrilled to offer such a unique opportunity for teachers across Ohio and are grateful to the U.S. Department of Education for its support of this initiative at BGSU to advance nonpartisan American history and civics education in our schools,” said Robert Alexander, Ph.D., professor of political science at BGSU and founding director of the Democracy and Public Policy Network. “Our first cohort of teachers not only learned a great deal to support their work in the classroom, but they also developed deep bonds and a network of colleagues to whom they can now turn to for support, advice, and fellowship. It has been a joy to be part of this initiative.”
BGSU will also provide participants with opportunities to take part in its signature community conversations and events, including BGSU’s Garfield Day, the annual Day of Dialogue, and the Democracy and Public Policy’s annual Leadership Luncheon.
For more information and to apply for the program, visit BGSU.edu/depo and navigate to the CIVICs 250 Scholars tab.
