Key Takeaways:
– U.S. Civics and American history education has been neglected, with less than 20% of colleges demanding either course for graduation.
– Public universities are now establishing centers for Civics and American history education, reversing the trend.
– The Arizona Legislature established a model that is now reproduced in thirteen universities across several states.
– Tennessee, Ohio, and Florida have also begun to invest significantly in civic education centers.
– Nonprofit organizations are supporting these initiatives, promoting education in American political thought and theory.
 A Nationwide Drive to Strengthen Civics Education
There’s a renewed emphasis on Civics and American history education mushrooming across the United States. While these subjects have languished in neglect for 60 years, fewer than 20% of colleges necessitate these courses for graduation. There’s a push to change this trend, and public universities are leading the way.
Universities Stepping Up
In 2016, Arizona took the lead whenArizona State University established the School for Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, becoming the training ground for students seeking an in-depth grasp of the nation’s governing institutions and citizenship responsibilities. Encouragingly, this model has since been echoed in thirteen universities in different states.
Down south, the School of Civic Life and Leadership at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill offers a minor in civic life and leadership, preparing students for consequential policy discussions. Meanwhile, Ohio has given the biggest investment, $24 million, for the creation of civic education centers at five public varsities. And, the University of Florida is on its way to hiring 50 professors for the Hamilton Center, including distinguished academics.
The Role of Civic Institutions
These institutions, supported by both state and private donors, are creating a vibrant academic unit within the universities. The heads of these units, who have hiring authority, directly report to the university’s provost or president.
Importantly, these newly formed centers are not just educating undergraduates. They are also developing masters and doctorate programs. Additionally, they have begun to nurture K-12 social studies teachers to educate their students better on these pivotal subjects.
The Tennessee Initiative
Recently, the Tennessee General Assembly responded to Governor Bill Lee’s call to establish an institute dedicated to fostering informed patriotism. The newly-formed Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville not only offers minor and certificate programs in American civics and constitutional studies but also provides professional development programs for secondary school teachers.
Support from Nonprofits
Nonprofit organizations are also playing their part in these efforts. For instance, The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) is advocating that establishing these centers should be a priority. The Jack Miller Center has also made significant investments in the academic space, supporting both young and established professors through a network of over 1,200 professors on 300-plus campuses.
The Ultimate Goal
In contrast to prevailing trends, these new institutes seek to teach the whole story of America, acknowledging both its triumphs and flaws. They’re equipping new generations of students to become informed patriots, eager to realize the American dream.
The collaboration between states, organizations in this field, and donors presents an exciting opportunity for this civics renaissance to take off across the country. Indeed, it’s a step towards ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow possess a comprehensive understanding of our past, which is crucial in shaping our future.