Press Release: 8/19/2026

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $890,000 in Civics Teaching and Learning Grants

 



Funds help districts expand access to high-quality civic learning for all students 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



8/18/2026



EVERETT — 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.”



“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.



“Civics projects give students the opportunity to take an active role in their learning and build the knowledge and skills they need to understand issues, collaborate with others and contribute to their communities,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “These grants will expand access to meaningful civic learning experiences and help students see how they can make a positive impact in their schools and communities.” 



“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 engage in hands-on civic learning that fosters curiosity, critical thinking and a sense of shared responsibility.” 



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.



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



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