Elementary teachers across Alabama have a chance to participate in a week-long summer professional learning program aimed at strengthening civic education in classrooms.

According to a news release, Jacksonville State University (Jax State) will host the 2026 Summer Civics Seminar June 14-19, funded by a $2.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The residential program will bring together one teacher from each of Alabama's 138 public school districts and 37 private school teachers, ensuring statewide representation. In addition, 50 pre-service teachers preparing to enter the profession are invited to apply. Applications for both current and future K-5 teachers are open through April 17.

Accepted participants will receive a $500 honorarium, full travel reimbursement, free lodging, meals throughout the week, more than 50 hours of professional learning and classroom-ready resources they can take back to their schools. Pre-service teachers are encouraged to apply and may request lodging, though they are not eligible for the honorarium.

"The nation is realizing we need to invest in civic education, but too often K-5 teachers are not included in this," Benjamin Gross, director of the Center for Leadership and American Principles, said in the release. "We're excited to start our three-year program by investing in our K-5 teachers, as they set the foundation of civic education for generations of Alabamians to come. By inviting teachers from across the entire state, our Center is demonstrating why it's the premier institution in Alabama for improving civic thought and leadership."

Participants will engage with leading civic education organizations, including the National Constitution Center, iCivics, Thinking Nation, and the Center for American Civics. Visiting scholars from Arizona State University, Florida State University, the University of Florida, the University of Tennessee and the University of Missouri will lead sessions to deepen teachers' content knowledge and confidence in teaching foundational principles of American government through primary sources.

The seminar will also feature an experiential learning component along Alabama's Civil Rights Trail, including visits to the Anniston Freedom Riders National Monument and the Legacy Museum properties.

The program begins Sunday evening, June 14, and concludes Friday evening, June 19, with lodging provided through Saturday morning. It is designed to reach teachers from all regions of Alabama, including rural and underserved communities.

Teachers interested in applying can submit their applications online at https://tinyurl.com/56btxpr6. More information is available at www.jsu.edu/clap.