The Civics Learning Act of 2026 amends federal education law to expand civics education programs in schools across the country. The bill authorizes $70 million in new funding for fiscal year 2027 to support innovative civics learning activities, including hands-on civic engagement, teaching about the Constitution and civil rights movement, service learning projects, and online civics education. The legislation affects elementary, middle, and high school students and teachers, with a requirement that at least 30 percent of grant funding go to elementary schools and 30 percent to middle schools, with no more than 40 percent allocated to high schools. The bill responds to concerns that low civics proficiency among American students has contributed to political polarization and weakened democratic engagement, as evidenced by surveys showing many Americans cannot name the branches of government or basic constitutional rights. The Secretary of Education must submit annual reports to Congress on grant recipients and their progress in meeting civics education goals.
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