Charter School Among Recipients of State Civics Grants

Image, 1965 Civics text book.

Tuesday, the state announced that it is awarding nearly $890,000 in Civics Teaching and Learning Grants to 28 school districts, including the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School in Franklin,  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.

“When students have the opportunity to explore real issues and find ways to make a difference, they see that their voices and ideas matter,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will give more  young people meaningful opportunities to get involved, work with others and develop the confidence and skills to be active members of their communities.”

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.

“Strong civics instruction helps students see the connection between their learning and the world around them,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Through this grant, schools can expand opportunities for students to

This also follows the administration’s recent release of finalquot;">final recommendations for a statewide high school graduation frameworkquot;">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.

The grant recipients and award amounts are:

• Andover Public Schools: $40,000

• Arlington Public Schools: $74,980

• Attleboro Public Schools: $17,500

• Avon Public Schools: $15,000

• Bellingham Public Schools: $24,900

• Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School (in Franklin): $6,650
  

• Boston Public Schools: $38,066

• Cambridge Public Schools: $59,640

• Christa McAuliffe Charter School (in Framingham): $30,000

• Gill-Montague Regional School District: $16,100

• Gloucester Public Schools: $40,000

• Greenfield Public Schools: $28,190

• Hadley Public Schools: $22,000

• Lowell Public Schools: $50,000

• Malden Public Schools: $45,500

• Milford Public Schools: $44,700

• New Bedford Public Schools: $13,100

• Newton Public Schools: $46,481

• Norwood Public Schools: $19,765

• Old Rochester Regional School District: $30,000

• Pittsfield Public Schools: $26,000

• Prospect Hill Academy Charter School (in Cambridge): $30,000

• Quabbin Regional School District: $36,825

• Stoughton Public Schools: $20,605

• Taunton Public Schools: $5,550

• Waltham Public Schools: $60,000

• West Springfield Public Schools: $10,760

• Westwood Public Schools: $37,600