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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021
CONTACT: Mary Stadick Smith, 605-773-7228, or Ruth Raveling, 605-773-2593
Civics and History Initiative pilot grants awarded; second round of applications open
PIERRE, S.D. – The first round of recipients of Civics and History Initiative pilot grants have been announced. Funded projects highlight the sacrifices of WWII veterans, implement the We the People program, and expand the study of Native American culture using the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards. Below are the schools awarded round one funding:
School/district | Grant amount | Project |
Chamberlain High School | $3,228.80 | Students will learn about South Dakota fallen heroes from WWII by researching their service and writing and recording eulogies at their gravesites in the Black Hills National Cemetery. Students will also participate in the National History Day competition. |
Dell Rapids High School | $11,439.75 | Purchase materials for and implement We the People program. Professional development for K-12 teachers. |
Madison Central Middle/High School | $18,059.54 | Purchase materials for and implement We the People program. Professional development for K-12 teachers. |
McIntosh Middle School | $9,645 | Students will participate in National History Day competition. Provide teachers professional development. Field trips and speakers related to the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards. |
Mitchell School District (elementary and middle schools) | $15,525 | Purchase one-year subscription to Newsela for grades 1-8. |
Vermillion High School | $17,160 | Enhance curriculum in high school history, literature, and Native American culture courses. Develop new high school course: Great Plains/SD History. Field trips to local sites. Guest speakers. |
South Dakota public schools can now apply for the second round of the pilot grant program. A total of $125,000 in grant funding is available for schools to pilot programs that focus on strengthening civics/government and history education.
Grant applications should align with one or more of the priorities of the South Dakota Civics and History Initiative, which are to help students understand our country, state, and story; equip them with the knowledge and experience necessary to engage as informed citizens; and prepare them to participate in civil discourse on important issues.
The South Dakota Civics and History Initiative is made possible through $900,000 in one-time state funding to support and equip K-12 educators, provide resources for voluntary use in local schools, and provide real-life experiences for students.
Grant applications are due Sept. 15. Grantees will be notified in early October. Find more information on the Civics and History Initiative webpage.
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