ALEC Joins Secretary McMahon’s National “America 250 Civics Education Coalition” to Restore Civic Pride

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is proud to announce its partnership in the newly launched America 250 Civics Education Coalition, a nationwide effort led by the U.S. Department of Education, America First Policy Institute (AFPI), Turning Point USA, and more than 40 other national and state-based organizations. Together, the coalition will strengthen civic education, inspire patriotic pride, and prepare Americans of all ages to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

“As America prepares to mark 250 years of independence, we must ensure the next generation knows our history and cherishes the liberties secured by the Founders,” said ALEC CEO Lisa B. Nelson. “ALEC is honored to stand alongside Secretary McMahon and our coalition partners to strengthen civics education in classrooms and communities across the nation.”

Through this partnership, ALEC will bring its unique state-based perspective to the coalition, ensuring that lessons of self-government, constitutional liberty, and civic pride reach every corner of the nation. It will also include elements of ALEC’s States 250 initiative, a 15-month social media campaign showcasing the power of state-led solutions in writing the next great chapter of American governance through videos, posts, and more. As part of the effort, states are also encouraged to pass ALEC’s Resolution Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States of America.

“The United States will only remain as strong as its citizens’ understanding of the responsibilities of freedom,” said ALEC President and Chief Economist Jonathan Williams. “By joining the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, ALEC demonstrates its commitment to teaching the timeless truths that sustain liberty.”

The coalition, launched on Constitution Day, is guided by the motto “Know America. Love America.” Led by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon – who addressed ALEC members at the 2025 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis – it is geared to advance nationwide initiatives such as the Trail to Independence Tour, the Fundamental Liberties College Speaker Series, patriotic teacher summits, and student competitions. Each program is designed to renew civic understanding, celebrate America’s story, and reawaken the responsibilities of citizenship.

“Our mission has always been to keep government limited, markets free, and power close to the people – principles that spring directly from the Constitution itself. This partnership ensures that America’s 250th birthday is not just a commemoration of the past, but a launchpad toward our next golden age,” Nelson concluded.