CU Denver and National History Day Expand Access to Civic Education Across Colorado

As a university rooted in access, innovation, and impact, CU Denver is proud to announce an expanded partnership with National History Day (NHD) to provide new professional development opportunities for teachers across Colorado.

This initiative, made possible through an almost $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, will equip middle and high school educators with tools to deliver one of the most respected history and civics education programs in the country. Administered through National History Day Colorado, housed in CU Denver's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, this initiative supports CU Denver's mission to make education work for all and prepare students to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Making History Accessible For All

Over the next three years, the NHD initiative will focus on expanding educator training in rural and underserved areas of Colorado, many of which have not previously had access to the NHD curriculum. These professional development workshops will empower teachers with instructional strategies that support literacy, historical research, and civic thinking.

"Providing middle and high school educators the resources to implement a world-renowned social studies and literacy curriculum will increase student discourse, human connection, contextualization, critical thinking, and empathy," said Dr. Kelly Cvanciger, Colorado State Director for NHD. "Focusing on underserved areas of Colorado...will improve educational opportunities for students in rural schools who might not have the resources or opportunities to participate in academic programs beyond the classroom."

At CU Denver, this work is a natural extension of our values. We're committed to real-world learning that reflects the lived experiences of students and promotes social mobility. This program not only uplifts educators, but directly benefits students-by helping them think critically, investigate the past, and imagine a more inclusive future.

A Proven Model, Powered by CU Denver

National History Day is a yearlong academic program that engages students in hands-on historical inquiry and research. Students choose a topic related to a national theme, conduct research using primary and secondary sources, and create projects that they present at regional, state, and national competitions.

NHD Colorado has been a flagship program of CU Denver since 2003. Every year, the program serves over 25,000 middle and high school students and hundreds of teachers across the state. The new federal funding will expand the program's reach and deepen its impact.

"Funding from the Department of Education, in cooperation with the NHD National office, secures educator support in classrooms through 2028," Cvanciger noted. "This affords NHD Colorado the opportunity to outreach to rural, underserved areas in Northern Colorado and enhance educator support for civics and history education."

This long-term investment reinforces CU Denver's role as a leader in civic education and teacher preparation. As a public urban research university, CU Denver is uniquely positioned to bridge academic excellence with community-based learning.

Advancing Civic Education, One Moment at a Time

CU Denver believes that access to quality education should not depend on geography or income. Through this partnership, we're not just teaching history-we're shaping a more democratic and empathetic society, one student and one classroom at a time.

"In our attempt to foster a more democratic society, NHD leads the way in the learning of history, and advancing a well-rounded civics education," said Cvanciger.

Whether you're a teacher looking to expand your toolkit or a community member passionate about equity in education, CU Denver and NHD Colorado invite you to be part of this growing movement. Because the moment to empower the next generation of changemakers is now.