CIVICs 250 Scholars

What is CIVICs 250 Scholars?

Through funding by the Department of Education, the Democracy and Public Policy Network at Bowling Green State University is creating learning communities among K-12 educators across the region over the next three years focused on developing and strengthening American history and civics education. Each cohort will consist of approximately 35-40 teachers who will receive year-long training and gain expert insight from BGSU faculty to establish learning communities in their districts, culminating in a one-week summer seminar on BGSU's campus to further hone their lessons and skills.

Through the learning communities, the Democracy and Public Policy Network will help Ohio's K-12 teachers develop lessons and resources focused on the nation's foundational principles, including the ideas, traditions and institutions essential to understanding American government and history. Teachings will focus on America's founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, the Anti-Federalist Papers, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, while also bringing in knowledge of lesser-known documents from a wide range of time periods across American History to broaden the scope of participating teachers' ability to educate their students.

We welcome teachers of all grade levels, K-12, to apply to this program. Once selected, participating teachers will be required to attend monthly Virtual Meetings and complete short reading assignments throughout the school year. In early June, participating teachers will be required to attend in-person Seminar meetings to learn from BGSU faculty. These dates are required part of participation in the CIVICs 250 Scholars Program.

By participating in this program, teachers will also be invited to attend other BGSU events throughout their cohort year and beyond, if they so choose. These events include BGSU Day of Dialogue, Leadership Luncheon, as well as Constitution Week events. Some of these programs may include an opportunity for teachers to bring their students to BGSU's campus to participate in these events, or teachers may choose to attend for their own professional development.

The CIVICs 250 Scholars program is administered over a three-year period, with cohorts in 2026, 2027 and 2028. If you are interested in applying for the 2027 program, please read more about the program and submit your application.