| Washington, D.C.- Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) received a lifetime achievement award for his outstanding commitment to civic education. The Center for Civic Education also honored the Congressman by renaming their annual award the Dale E. Kildee Civitas Award.
“I am honored that The Center for Civic Education recognized my lifelong commitment to providing students with access to civic education programs,” said Kidee. “I have dedicated my life, as an educator and legislator, to helping people reach their dreams by providing them with a sound and strong educational foundation.”
As a ranking member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Congressman Kildee led the fight to protect and continue civic education programs during the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Despite several attempts to eliminate civic education programs, Kildee successfully persuaded his colleagues to provide funding to ensure that civic education remains a fundamental component of student curriculum. As a former teacher, Kildee understands the importance of civic education and its ability to increase political awareness and participation.
“After watching these students participate in this program, I am confident that our nation’s future is in good hands,” said Kildee. “All of these students now possess the political awareness that will help our nation reach its full potential in the 21st century.”
The Center for Civic Education sponsors the We the People…The Citizen and the Constitution Program to promote civic competence and responsibility among the nation’s elementary and secondary students. The instructional program enhances students’ understanding of the institutions and procedure of our constitutional democracy. At the end of the program, students participate in a simulated congressional hearing in which students testify before a panel of judges. This format provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles while providing teachers with an excellent means of assessing performance. Since 1987, more than 26 million students and 82 thousand educators have participated in this innovative civic education program. | 
![[News from Congressman Dale Kildee]](letterhead.gif)