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

FORT COLLINS, CO - Today, U.S. Department of Education (the Department) Senior Advisor for Civic Education Katie Gorka visited Liberty Common Junior High School and Liberty Common High School as part of the Department'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.

Senior Advisor Gorka participated in student-led tours at both schools and a roundtable lunch at Jessup Farm, where attendees discussed their appreciation for American history, civics, and the important role Colorado has played in our nation's history. Students explored the themes of civic engagement, patriotism, and the shared responsibilities of citizenship.

"History Rocks! gives students the chance to see American history as something alive, not distant; something they can step into and understand for themselves," said U.S. Department of Education Senior Advisor for Civic Education Katie Gorka. "That kind of learning feels especially fitting in a place like Fort Collins, where Colorado's blend of frontier history, independence, and love of the outdoors is still very much part of the culture."

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.