Excellence in Civics Education School District Grant Program

The Excellence in Civics Education School District Grant Program is an initiative supported by the Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy at the Goldwater Institute. The program seeks to enhance the quality and depth of civics education across Arizona by equipping public school districts, charter networks, and private high schools with high-quality U.S. history materials and educator support. The cornerstone of the program is the adoption and use of "Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story" by historian Dr. Wilfred McClay, a narrative-driven U.S. history textbook that presents a balanced, accessible view of American history. The revised and expanded second edition of this textbook, to be published in 2026, is tailored for high school education and offers visual richness and pedagogical support to engage students and teachers alike. Selected school districts or networks will receive direct and in-kind contributions totaling up to $300,000. These awards encompass several forms of support. Each high school student enrolled in a U.S. History course during the 2026–2027 academic year will receive a hardback copy of the new edition of Land of Hope. In addition, participating history teachers will be provided with a comprehensive curriculum package aligned with the textbook. This includes day-by-day lesson plans, vocabulary, exercises, and flexible supports to aid both experienced and new educators. Every high school history teacher teaching U.S. History, U.S. Government, or Comparative Government will be eligible for a direct stipend ranging from $2,000 to $3,000, with the final amount determined by the extent of their teaching load in relevant subjects. The program also offers professional development opportunities delivered by Arizona-based university faculty and veteran teachers. These in-person training sessions will cover a broad array of topics including major eras in U.S. history and foundational constitutional principles. Teachers must commit to at least eight hours of professional development and will also be expected to document instructional materials used throughout the year and submit end-of-year feedback on the curriculum. To enrich the civics experience beyond the classroom, schools may receive visits from guest speakers—survivors of authoritarian regimes—coordinated through organizations such as the Dissident Project and the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. Further instructional support includes access to a robust bank of supplemental materials covering government and citizenship topics. Additionally, hardback copies of "A is for the American Dream" will be issued to 2nd grade students to foster early civics awareness. Eligible applicants include all Arizona public school districts, charter networks, and private schools. Applicants must either adopt or initiate the adoption process of Land of Hope as one of their core textbooks for U.S. History in accordance with Arizona state statute A.R.S. 15-722. While districts may apply prior to official textbook adoption, priority is given to those with formal governing board approval. The application window runs from February 16 through May 30, 2026. Required documentation includes a one-page letter of interest and proof of governing board action to begin textbook adoption. Award announcements will be made by June 15, 2026, and materials will be delivered by July 10, 2026. Contact information for inquiries or access to review materials includes the email address [email protected] or direct communication with Encounter Books. Selected teachers are expected to contribute to the program’s effectiveness by sharing feedback and evidence of curriculum integration. This program aims to revitalize civic education in Arizona, emphasizing a deeper and more unified understanding of the American story through high-quality content and educator empowerment.

Priority given to districts that complete textbook adoption; participation in PD and feedback collection is expected.