Secretary McMahon, AFPI, TPUSA, & Partners Launch New Civics Coalition

U.S. Department of Education in Partnership with America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College and Over 40 National and State Organizations Launch "America 250 Civics Education Coalition" to Lead Patriotic and Civic Revitalization

Washington, D.C.— The U.S. Department of Education (the Department), in partnership the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College and more than 40 leading national and state-based organizations, today announced the launch of the America 250 Civics Education Coalition. This landmark initiative is dedicated to renewing patriotism, strengthening civic knowledge, and advancing a shared understanding of America’s founding principles in schools across the nation.

The coalition, announced on Constitution Day, builds upon the Trump Administration’s commitment to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary next July.

With oversight from U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and the Department, the AFPI-led coalition will spearhead nationwide initiatives to engage students, educators, and communities in conversations about liberty, citizenship, and America’s enduring values.

“As America approaches 250 years since its founding, we are proud to announce this coalition to ensure every young American understands the beauty of our nation and is equipped with the civic knowledge required to contribute meaningfully to its future,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “A country cannot survive if its values are forgotten by its people. More than ever, we need to restore the vitality of the American spirit, and this coalition will take bold steps to educate, inspire, and mobilize youth toward active and informed citizenship.”

“The sorrowful events of the past week have reminded us how precious our inheritance of liberty truly is — and how easily it can be lost if we do not constantly, faithfully, and strongly defend it,” said Greg Sindelar, Interim President and CEO of the America First Policy Institute. “That’s why AFPI is proud to stand with the Department of Education and over 40 best-in-class organizations to launch this coalition. Together, we are building a movement to ensure the next generation understands America’s founding principles, carries them forward with confidence and pride, and secures a future of freedom.” 

Coalition Executive Director Katie Gorka, and Co-Chairs Erika Donalds and Dr. Ben Judge emphasized that the initiative represents a broad and united front of partners committed to making civics education engaging, accessible, and inspiring:

• Katie Gorka, Executive Director: “The America 250 Civics Education Coalition is about restoring patriotism by ensuring every American knows our history and treasures our freedoms.” 

• Erika Donalds, Co-Chair: “A free society depends on informed citizens, and civic knowledge must once again be at the heart of American education. Through this coalition, we are uniting to bring these lessons back to classrooms and communities and prepare future generations to safeguard our republic.” 

• Dr. Ben Judge, Co-Chair: “By reviving civic pride, we will prepare the next generation not only to celebrate America, but to safeguard its promise.” 

“Turning Point USA, which includes Turning Point Education, is more resolved than ever to advance God-centered, virtuous education for students flourishing across our nation,” said Dr. Hutz H. Hertzberg, Chief Education Officer of Turning Point Education/USA, “With that in mind, we are honored to partner with the distinguished organizations that comprise the America 250 Civics Education Coalition to restore, revive, and reclaim robust American civics education for all students throughout our country.”

Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, added: “We celebrate Lincoln for his greatness in recalling the nation to the principles of its birth, the principles of the Declaration of Independence, the most beautiful political document in history. It is time to repeat his work and the work of Jefferson and the Founders. We will work together to learn those principles, and for the love of them we will have a grand celebration.”

The coalition convened its inaugural roundtable discussion today. Over the next twelve months, the coalition will unveil a robust programming agenda, including the Fundamental Liberties College Speaker Series and a 50-state speaking tour on college campuses nationwide.

America 250 Civics Education Coalition Partners

Additional Information

More details on upcoming programming, mission, and a full list of coalition members can be found on the America 250 Civics Education Coalition website:

America250Civics.com

The website will be regularly updated as new information becomes available.

To access the photos taken at today's launch, [click here].