Grant Application Deadline – We the Teachers: Preparing the Next Generation Through History & Civics
William & Mary has received a three-year, $2.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to train teachers in conjunction with the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026.
It is the largest award to a Virginia institution of higher learning under the American History and Civics Education National Activities – Seminars for America’s Semiquincentennial program.
Awarded to W&M’s Strategic Cultural Partnerships, the grant will launch “We the Teachers: Preparing the Next Generation Through History & Civics.” Timed to the nation’s 250th anniversary, the initiative aims to strengthen K-12 history and civics education. It will equip teachers with deep content knowledge, evidence-based pedagogy and classroom-ready tools that connect America’s founding principles to civic life. The result will be stronger learning outcomes for students across the country.
The three-part program includes:
The Congress of Educators: A four-day, immersive experience for 100 educators from across the country Congress of Educators at William & Mary, featuring substantive, insightful, and inspiring content and pedagogy sessions paired with visits to and VIP experiences with leading museums in the region.
lilyPD Microcourses: Build impactful teaching skills through 5-hour online microcourses, focusing on topics including historical inquiry, civil discourse, non-fiction reading strategies, artifact analysis, exhibits in the classroom and more; all courses are accredited by the W&M School of Education.
Local Learning Communities: Lead workshops and/or peer learning communities in their home states—bringing the spirit of 1776 into today’s classrooms.
Year One fellows will convene in Williamsburg, Virginia at William & Mary (room and board provided) on July 26-30 for the inaugural Congress of Educators. Fellows who complete all three components of the “We the Teachers” program will receive a $2500 stipend. Applications open December 1, 2025.
The grant also benefits W&M students by providing nearly $100,000 for paid applied-learning opportunities exclusively for them. The opportunities will include roles such as learning design, digital content development and production, communications and event management.
The project advances the university’s Vision 2026 Democracy and Careers goals. It also reinforces the university’s national reputation for developing civic leadership.
“This grant underscores William & Mary’s commitment to innovative scholarship in service to the nation,” said Provost Peggy Agouris. “‘We the Teachers’ is a model of how leading research universities can advance civic learning by combining deep historical knowledge with cutting-edge pedagogy to empower educators. As a cornerstone of W&M’s Vision 2026 initiative, it reflects the vital role of academic excellence in serving every citizen.”