The bipartisan Teaching Engaged Citizenship Act of 2021, introduced on Sept. 17 by U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI), would create a $400 million federal Civic Education and Service-Learning Grant Program for America’s K-12 public schools.
“Studies today show students lack access and exposure to high-quality civic education in U.S. classrooms,” Rep. Meijer said. “A federal investment in civic education and service-learning would help prepare young Americans to realize their duties as citizens and cultivate a culture of service to country.”
If enacted, H.R. 5288, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), also would establish an Office of Civic Education within the U.S. Department of Education to oversee the grant program, which would promote hands-on civic learning activities, provide specific teacher development, and assist states, institutions of higher education and nonprofits in supporting such programs in K-12 public schools.
“Serving my country has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life,” said Rep. Meijer. “That call to service may exist in students across our country who don’t currently have the resources to gain more meaningful knowledge about the different ways to demonstrate their civic responsibility.”
The congressman added that H.R. 5288 would improve civic education and increase participation in military, national, and public service with heightened focus on experiential learning in congressional hearing, courtroom, and public hearing simulations in schools throughout Michigan and across the country.
“Our students and teachers deserve these resources and learning opportunities,” he said.
Among other provisions, H.R. 5288 also would require National Assessments of Education Progress in civics and history in grades 4, 8, and 12, and require that the subsequent data be published in the aggregate for the United States and separately for each state, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Meijer’s office.
H.R. 5288 has garnered support from the Michigan Center for Civic Education, the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, the CivXNow Coalition, the Center for Civic Education, and iCivics.