Bowling Green State University is launching a new program designed to support educators and strengthen classroom instruction statewide.
The Democracy and Public Policy Network at BGSU is now accepting applications for its new CIVICs 250 Scholars Program, a multi-year initiative aimed at bolstering nonpartisan American history and civics education in Ohio K-12 schools. The program builds on the Network’s mission of promoting civil discourse and informed citizenship. Supported by the U.S. Department of Education, the program will serve up to 40 teachers per year for the next three years.
Supporting civics education in Ohio classrooms
The CIVICs 250 Scholars Program’s goal is to equip teachers with classroom-ready resources and a professional community focused on civil discourse and informed citizenship.
Participating teachers will engage in learning communities designed to help them develop new lessons and classroom resources centered on the nation’s foundational principles. The program will enhance teachers’ understanding of the ideas, traditions and institutions essential to understanding American democracy. Participants will also closely study primary source documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and both the Federalist and anti-Federalist Papers.
Each year, the program will culminate in a one-week summer seminar held on the BGSU campus, where teachers can further refine their lesson plans and skills.
Educators will gain significant practical benefits from the CIVICs 250 Scholars Program. Participants earn six continuing education units (CEUs), receive a $500 stipend upon successful completion and are eligible for an additional $100 travel stipend.
A nonpartisan approach to American history
Program leaders emphasize that CIVICs 250 is intentionally nonpartisan.
“We are thrilled to offer such a unique opportunity for teachers across Ohio,” said Robert Alexander, Ph.D., professor of political science at BGSU and founding director of the Democracy and Public Policy Network. “As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, this program will serve as an opportunity to advance Ohio’s teacher and student understanding of the democratic principles and values that have helped shape the United States.”
Connecting teachers to civic dialogue and community events
In addition to coursework and seminars, CIVICs 250 Scholars will be invited to participate in BGSU’s signature community conversations and events focused on civic engagement. One of the first opportunities is the university’s Day of Dialogue on Feb. 19. The event will feature Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy and Justice Jennifer Brunner.
Panels during the event will explore themes tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary, including discussions of foundational texts like the Declaration of Independence and Federalist No. 10. These events give participating teachers a chance to engage with legal scholars, public officials and fellow educators in thoughtful, moderated conversations.
For Ohio parents, the program represents a behind-the-scenes investment in classroom quality—one that supports teachers while strengthening students’ understanding of how American democracy works and why it matters.
More information and application details can be found at BGSU.edu/depo under the CIVICs 250 Scholars tab.
The Toledo Symphony will participate in Carnegie Hall’s “Link Up: The Orchestra Moves” program, offering local students a hands-on music education experience. As part of the curriculum, students will attend a concert on Feb. 26 at the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle, where they will sing or play instruments, along with the orchestra, from their seats. Link Up provides a free, year-long curriculum with resources to support music instruction in schools. The Toledo Symphony joins more than 100 orchestras worldwide in this initiative, which will reach over 300,000 students and teachers during the upcoming season.
Throughout the school year, Toledo Ballet offers six 6-week sessions of its Preschool Enrichment class. During these comprehensive sessions, students are guided through dance instruction, story time, craft activities and mini demonstrations. Session two begins on Jan. 16 and concludes Feb. 20. Session three begins March 6 and ends April 10. Classes are on Fridays, 11am-noon.
Sylvania Youth Theatre is offering spring drama classes for students ages 9–18, with sessions running Feb. 9 through March 18 at Epworth United Methodist Church. Participants can choose between Acting 101, teaching fundamental acting skills and stage confidence, or Advanced Acting, focusing on audition techniques, monologues and cold reads for experienced performers. Classes are taught by Irina Zaurov over five-weeks on Mondays and Wednesdays. Registration is $120. Scholarships available for qualifying students.
Sylvania Arts is accepting youth participants in grades 5–8 for its Shorties U filmmaking workshop this February, held on four consecutive Saturdays from 9am to noon at Epworth Church. Students will learn video production skills, including idea development, scriptwriting, shooting and editing, while working in small teams to create a short film. The workshop will conclude with a student film screening, Q&A with local media professionals, with films later featured in the Tree City Film Festival. Register online through January 11, 2026. $110 per participant, Scholarships are available. Limited to 25 students.
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