About
America’s Promise: 250 – Civics Education Initiative
About America’s Promise
America’s Promise is a three-year civic learning and professional development initiative dedicated to strengthening American History and Civics (AHC) education in Kentucky. Grounded in evidence-based practice and built in honor of America’s Semiquincentennial, the program equips teacher leaders with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to inspire informed, engaged, and confident young citizens.
Through immersive seminars, structured learning experiences, and access to high-quality instructional materials, America’s Promise helps educators bring America’s founding principles, constitutional heritage, and civic traditions to life in K–12 classrooms—especially in rural and underserved communities.
Who We Serve
America’s Promise supports K–12 teachers in rural eastern Kentucky, with an emphasis on expanding opportunities for schools and districts traditionally underrepresented in national civic learning initiatives.
Our Mission
To elevate the teaching and learning of American history, civics, government, and geography by empowering educators with innovative professional learning rooted in the founding ideals and lived experience of the American story.
America’s Promise supports teachers in deepening their understanding of core documents, essential civic themes, and the evolution of the American political tradition—so they can better guide students in meaningful civic reasoning, discourse, and engagement.
What We Do
Evidence-Based Professional Learning
Participants engage in innovative, research-backed seminars that strengthen content knowledge and instructional practice. Sessions align with the priorities outlined by the U.S. Department of Education’s AHC–Seminars for America’s Semiquincentennial program.
High-Quality Instructional Resources
Teachers receive access to vetted materials, primary documents, instructional tools, and rich content aligned with
Kentucky’s Academic Standards.
Immersive Civic Experiences
Educators participate in seminars, on-site historical learning, primary source exploration, and collaborative inquiry grounded in America’s founding principles and constitutional ideals.
Growing a Network of
Civic-Minded Teacher Leaders
America’s Promise fosters ongoing collaboration and statewide leadership through professional learning communities, resource sharing, and mentoring.
Why America’s Promise Matters
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, students need a deep, honest understanding of America’s founding principles, its struggles, and its ongoing work to live up to its ideals. High-quality instruction in history and civics is essential for cultivating:
- Strong civic knowledge
- Critical thinking and discourse skills
- Informed patriotism
- A commitment to democratic participation
By investing in teacher leaders, America’s Promise strengthens entire classrooms, schools, and communities.