In celebration of the 238th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution, and looking ahead to America’s 250th birthday in 2026, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has introduced a new proposed priority for federal education grants: Patriotic Education.
This marks the fifth supplemental priority added under the Trump administration to guide the U.S. Department of Education’s discretionary grantmaking process.
What Is Patriotic Education?
Patriotic education, as outlined in the proposal, aims to present American history in a way that is accurate, honest, and inspiring. The goal is to help students understand:
- The founding ideals of the United States
- The nation’s constitutional framework
- The ongoing efforts to live up to those principles
- The struggles and achievements of civil rights movements
- America’s unique role in global history
Rather than promoting any political agenda, the Department says this approach will offer a unifying and uplifting civic education that helps young people develop a deep respect for the country and its values.
Why Is This a Priority Now?
Secretary McMahon emphasized the importance of teaching students not only their rights, but also their responsibilities as citizens.
“In the American system, educated citizens who know their rights and embrace their responsibilities cooperate to build a more perfect Union,” she said. “This initiative is about inspiring an informed patriotism and love of country.”
The announcement aligns with the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, which was launched earlier this year to boost civic education ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
How This Affects Federal Education Grants
The proposed Supplemental Priority will be included in future grant competitions across the U.S. Department of Education. Programs and institutions applying for funding may now be evaluated based on how well they align with this new patriotic education focus.
The Notice of Proposed Priority (NPP) has been published in the Federal Register, giving the public 30 days to submit comments. After the review period, the Department will issue a Notice of Final Priorities (NFP) to make the rule official.
Current Supplemental Priorities Announced So Far
The Patriotic Education initiative is the fifth supplemental priority added by Secretary McMahon. Here’s a quick look at the others:
| Priority | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Literacy | Supports reading programs based on proven research and science of reading |
| Expanding Education Choice | Encourages more options like charter schools and vouchers |
| Returning Education to the States | Gives priority to states in funding competitions |
| Advancing AI in Education | Promotes use of AI to improve teaching, learning, and school operations |
Each of these priorities is intended to reshape how federal education funds are awarded, ensuring alignment with the Trump administration’s America First education goals.
Public Input and Next Steps
Anyone interested in this proposal can submit feedback during the public comment period. After reviewing the responses, the Department will finalize the rule and apply it to future funding rounds.
By promoting patriotic education as a grantmaking priority, the Department aims to encourage schools, non-profits, and other educational entities to focus on civic responsibility, national unity, and historical understanding in their educational programs.
With the introduction of Patriotic Education as a supplemental priority, the U.S. Department of Education is reaffirming its commitment to strengthening civic knowledge and national pride among students.
As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, this initiative aims to ensure that future generations not only know the story of America, but also carry its founding values forward with pride, purpose, and perspective.
