Donor Spotlight

Donor Spotlight

Jo Ellen Diehl Yeary | Generosity rooted in pride, remembrance, dedication to home

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Funding Opportunity: Strengthen Civics Education in Appalachian Ohio

Hear how Megan Macke, a teacher at Vinton County Middle School, used a 2021 grant to teach students about civics education.

Informed and engaged citizens are essential to a strong democracy. Engaging Appalachian Ohio’s youth in civics education today equips them to be future leaders for not only their local communities, but for democracy. That’s why the Longaberger Family Foundation in partnership with FAO’s I’m a Child of Appalachia® Fund and its Education Pillar of Prosperity are offering grants to K-12 public schools, educators. students and public and nonprofit organizations serving K-12 students in Appalachian Ohio.

Projects should provide students with opportunities to build a knowledge base in subjects related to civics education, forge positive relationships with the self and wider world and analyze different views to feel empowered to participate in civic life. 

Emphasis on STEM and literacy education as well as standardized testing has led to a
decline in resources available to implement a robust civics education. According to an
Educating for American Democracy study, the federal government spends on average
$50 per student annually in STEM education, compared to just 5 cents per year per
student for civics education.

This shift has created a gap in knowledge of civics education, with a significant impact
on low income and nonwhite students. On the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) civics exam, middle and lower performing students’ scores decreased 3 points compared to 2018 results.

An effective civics education provides students with the knowledge, skills and disposition necessary to become informed and engaged citizens. This grant program seeks to support those efforts by providing students and educators with resources to actively implement and practice civics education opportunities in the classroom and beyond

Eligibility and Application Information

Grant applications for 2024 civics education funding closed March 12, 2024.

Read about 2020 civics education grant recipients and 2021 grant recipients. Examples of civics education projects and resources can be found here.