U.S. Department of Education Senior Advisor for Civic Education Katie Gorka Highlights Civics Education at History Rocks! Event in California

CHINO HILLS, CA - Today, U.S. Department of Education Senior Advisor for Civic Education Katie Gorka visited Canyon Hills Junior High School as part of the Department of Education's national History Rocks!Trail to Independence Tour, in celebration of America's upcoming 250th birthday. The Tour aims to strengthen civic literacy by helping students personally connect with America's founding principles.

1,080 students participated in interactive games designed to deepen their understanding of American history and civics and the important role California has played in our nation's history. The event opened with remarks from Principal David Ries, Board of Education President Sonja Shaw and Travis Manion Foundation Ambassador Mike Plue, followed by Senior Advisor Gorka. Students explored the themes of civic engagement, patriotism, and the shared responsibilities of citizenship.

"Canyon Hills sits in a part of California where the ambitions of the American story are still easy to spot. It is a place shaped by growth, by movement, and by people trying to build stable communities in the middle of constant change," said U.S. Department of Education Senior Advisor for Civic Education Katie Gorka. "History Rocks! gives students a chance to see themselves in that story and to understand that America has always been shaped not just by famous names, but by communities like theirs."

Background

The History Rocks! initiative is a key component of the U.S. Department of Education's celebrations for America's 250th birthday, in partnership with Freedom 250 and coordinated with the America 250 Civics Education Coalition. Secretary McMahon, Administration officials, and education leaders will visit schools in all 50 states to showcase examples of high-quality history and civics instruction that bring American principles to life.

Learn more about the Department's Semiquincentennial initiatives here.

Freedom 250 leads the presidential programming for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. Its mission is to unite Americans around one shared purpose-celebrating the Triumph of the American Spirit by honoring our history, cherishing our freedoms, and building the golden age of opportunity for the next 250 years.

Learn more about Freedom 250 here.

The America 250 Civics Education Coalition is a national partnership with the America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, and more than 50 national and state organizations. This coalition is dedicated to advancing civic education and expanding opportunities for students to learn about the ideas, individuals, and events that define the American story.