From Sea to Shining Sea: Bill of Rights Institute Advancing Civic Education Across Pennsylvania and America

Every state is impacted by the national presence of the Bill of Rights Institute, which is dedicated to advancing education about our nation’s history.

Founded in 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute (BRI) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to strengthen civic education nationwide. As a national leader in civics and history curricula, programs, and professional development, the Institute teaches U.S. history and government, constitutional principles, and the skills of citizenship.

With a network of more than 90,000 teachers reaching approximately 9 million students each year, all BRI programs and curricula are offered at no cost. This work is made possible by a growing network of supporters – including individuals, foundations, and businesses across the United States – who believe in BRI’s mission.

“We believe civic education is vital to sustaining our communities, institutions, and workforce,” said Jennifer Seal, BRI Director of Strategic Partnership. “Civics provides knowledge of America’s story and core principles, along with the skills and habits needed to be responsible and productive – such as effective communication, critical thinking, collaboration, ethical judgment and reasoning, and managing disagreement. These are the skills BRI teaches, and ones employers are consistently seeking. We believe civics must be prioritized in schools to prepare students to engage in the democratic process, improve their communities, and succeed in their careers.”

This year, BRI is focused on celebrating America’s 250th birthday in several meaningful ways. Through a collection of classroom resources – including a Revolutionary-era timeline, an America 250-themed educator toolkit, and a series of mini-documentaries – the organization is highlighting the people, ideas, and events that have shaped the nation’s history.

“We are also working with other organizations, including iCivics, on the Civic Star Challenge – a nationwide initiative that provides educators with adaptable lesson plans and activities focused on key themes of the Declaration of Independence,” Seal said. “Additionally, we are collaborating on ‘In Pursuit,’ a project to create educational resources about former presidents and first ladies; and we are developing a curriculum to accompany the release of the film Young Washington.”

“We believe the 250th anniversary is a historic opportunity to reconnect with the principles of the American founding – liberty, equality, and justice,” Seal added. “We want the next generation to understand and internalize these principles so they can live by them and sustain them for the next 250 years.”

BRI also focuses on the state-by-state significance of the America250 initiative and each state’s role in the nation’s founding. In Pennsylvania, that legacy is especially notable: the United States was established in Philadelphia; the Union and the concept of equality were preserved at Gettysburg; and coal, steel, railroads, and manufacturing helped modernize America. Today, Pennsylvania remains a key battleground in national politics.

With this in mind, it is fitting that BRI recently became a proud Investor Member of the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, reflecting a shared belief that education – particularly, civic education – should be rooted in local communities and personal connection.

BRI works with school districts to design tailored professional development programs and modular content that meet the specific needs of individual classrooms.

“All effective local work requires local support and insight,” Seal said. “That’s why we are seeking community partners to help expand our reach and deepen our impact. We rely on partners for financial and in-kind support, as well as networking opportunities, to further our mission to strengthen civic education throughout Pennsylvania. Through our membership in the PA Chamber, we look forward to collaborating with partners to advance civic renewal across the state. Our ability to positively impact civic engagement, leadership, and workforce development among young people in Pennsylvania makes BRI a valuable member of the Chamber.”

Looking ahead, BRI will continue building relationships with organizations across the Commonwealth and the nation while remaining nonpartisan, accessible, and free of charge. As the organization furthers a mission it deeply believes in, it aims to expand partnerships and help chart a strong path for civic renewal in Pennsylvania.

“We believe that cost should never prevent young people from receiving the civic education they deserve,” Seal said. “The future of our nation depends on it.”