WASHINGTON (March 28, 2025) – The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development has received a $2.4 million grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to launch the Forum on Democracy and Education. This groundbreaking initiative will focus on reinforcing civic learning and engagement as fundamental pillars of public education.
The project is informed by Dean Michael Feuer’s latest book, Can Schools Save Democracy: Civic Education and the Common Good (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2023), which examines the role of education in sustaining democratic values. Under Dean Feuer’s leadership, GSEHD will use the Forum to collaborate with educators, school leaders, foundations, and policymakers to develop innovative civic education strategies.
Recent national and international assessments indicate a troubling decline in civic knowledge among students. The Forum will work to bridge this gap by equipping young people with the skills and knowledge necessary for active participation in a pluralistic democracy.
“The health of democracy depends on an informed and engaged citizenry,” said Dean Feuer. “With support from the Hewlett Foundation, the Forum on Democracy and Education will provide educators with the resources and research needed to integrate civic learning into classrooms nationwide.”
The Forum on Democracy and Education will serve as a collaborative hub, fostering dialogue and producing key resources to support civic education, including:
Issue briefs and research working papers on effective civics instruction
Deliberative discussions among educators and policymakers
Master classes on innovative civic curricula
A public engagement website to share insights and best practices
A podcast series featuring leading education scholars and practitioners
By fostering collaboration between scholars, educators, and philanthropic organizations, the initiative will also strengthen public-private partnerships that advance democratic values through education.
For more information about the Forum on Democracy and Education, please contact Dr. Feuer [email protected].
-GW-