Pittsfield Public Schools Awarded Civics Teaching and Learning Grants
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that it is awarding nearly $890,000 in Civics Teaching and Learning Grants to 28 school districts to expand high-quality civics education for students across Massachusetts.
The funding will support educator professional development, strengthen civics curriculum, and give students more opportunities to put what they learn into action through student-led civics projects, local and statewide showcases, and other hands-on learning experiences.
"Civics education gives students the chance to learn about the issues that matter to them and understand how they can make a difference," said Governor Maura Healey. "These grants will help more students take what they learn in the classroom and put it into action by working together, hearing different perspectives and getting involved in their communities. Those are skills that will serve them throughout their lives."
In Berkshire County, Pittsfield Public Schools was awarded $26,000.
The Civics Teaching and Learning Grants are funded through the state's Civics Project Trust Fund and support high-quality civics education in schools across Massachusetts. The grants help schools strengthen civics instruction and provide students with opportunities to complete the student-led, nonpartisan civic action projects required under state law.
This summer, the administration announced Teaching for Civic Empowerment, a new professional learning initiative designed to strengthen civics instruction. The new statewide effort aims to provide free, high-quality professional learning opportunities to 6,000 educators over five years to increase educator confidence and expertise with civics instruction.
This also follows the administration's recent release of final recommendations for a statewide high school graduation framework designed to ensure every Massachusetts student graduates prepared for college, careers and civic life. The recommendations emphasize civic knowledge and skills through coursework and hands-on learning, including Civics Action Projects.
