COLLEGE PARK, MD – National History Day® (NHD) proudly supports the Strengthening Civics Education Act, a bipartisan measure introduced by Senators Chris Coons (DE) and John Cornyn (TX) to improve access to civics education across the country.
Quality civics and history education is fundamental to the next generation’s understanding and thoughtful engagement in civic life. As an organization deeply committed to improving the teaching and learning of history, we see firsthand how history education directly impacts students’ community engagement. Through our contest and educational programs, students dive into local histories, gain the analytical and inquiry skills required to be engaged citizens, and are often inspired by their NHD projects to engage in civic processes themselves and create meaningful change in the world.
This bill recognizes that the best way to support student learning is, foremost, to support their teachers. By promoting the development and use of civics-based history educational materials, and providing educator development and learning opportunities, we can be better assured that our teachers have the support and resources they need.
“Students’ knowledge of U.S. history and their ability to act like a historian- question sources, conduct research, and think individually- is foundational for supporting the growth of civic-minded individuals and leaders,” said National History Day Executive Director, Dr. Cathy Gorn. “I’m excited to see legislation like the Strengthening Civics Education Act encourage such learning in schools and increase access to civic education across the country, making democracy possible.”
A proud member of the CivxNow coalition, the nation’s largest cross-partisan coalition working to prioritize civics education with over 410 members, National History Day is committed to supporting legislation that improves the teaching and learning of history and endorses the Strengthening Civics Education Act.
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About National History Day
NHD is a non-profit organization based in College Park, Maryland, that seeks to improve the teaching and learning of history. Established in 1974, NHD currently engages more than half a million students each year in conducting original research on historical topics of interest and supports teachers through professional development opportunities. Students present their research as a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website. Projects compete first at the local and affiliate levels, where the top entries are invited to the annual National Contest at the University of Maryland at College Park. NHD is sponsored in part by the Joyful Noise Charitable Foundation, The Better Angels Society, Bezos Family Foundation, Library of Congress, Dr. Scholl Foundation, Behring Global Educational Foundation, and the National Park Service. For more information, visit nhd.org.
