Washington - U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced that seven New Jersey public school systems will receive a total of $5,787,203.00 for teaching American History. The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Bridgeton, Camden, Ridgewood, Linden, West Orange, Ewing, and Allamuchy the federal funding so that teachers can expand their knowledge of traditional American History and raise student achievement.

"Our nation's history is a key component to our children's education, and these investments will ensure that New Jersey teachers can keep American history alive in their classrooms," said Menendez. "A full understanding of our past helps ensure that our next generation of leaders can create achieve progress in the future."

"Keeping America's rich history alive in our classrooms is critical to ensuring that the next generation learns from the past," Lautenberg said. "This federal funding will give teachers across the state access to resources that will enhance the learning experience for their students and provide new opportunities for them to excel in the classroom."

The Teaching American History Grants program awarded by the U.S. Department of Education will be for a period of 5 years. This grant program fills in the gaps for many teachers that have had little exposure to American historical content in their educational backgrounds. The federal funding assists Local Education Associations partner with relevant entities to help teachers develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of U.S. History resulting in improved student comprehension.

The following New Jersey School systems were awarded Teaching American History Grants:

Ridgewood $999,479.
Linden $951,675.
West Orange $946,425.
Ewing $946,425.
Allamuchy $946.425.
Bridgeton $498,782.
Camden $497,994.

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