Section 99d of the 2023-24 School Aid Act provides $6,000,000.00 from the state for local districts to do both of the following:

• develop and implement plans for professional learning concerning the teaching of the fullness of American history, including, but not limited to, the teaching of the history of communities of color and other marginalized communities, the teaching of local history, and the teaching of cultural competency.
• the purchasing of books and other educational resources for educators and students to support the goal of teaching every middle school and high school student American history that reflects the diversity of this state, including, but not limited to, the teaching of the history of communities of color and other marginalized communities.

These funds have been distributed through a competitive grant process. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) solicited proposals as described in the Section 99d Teaching Diverse Histories Grant Request for Applications (RFA).

These collections of materials draw on local history topics to be linked to issues in United States history. These items also connect to the Michigan K-12 Standards for Social Studies and also the college, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies.

We hope that these resources are beneficial to classrooms not only in West Michigan but also across Michigan and to students and teachers beyond.

Learn more about the development of these resources by viewing this brief video.