$1 million grant will benefit civics education program

June 14, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Kirsten Gillibrand and Michael McNulty announced that $999,903 has been awarded in federal funds to The Sage Colleges as part of the United States Department of Education’s Cooperative Civic Education and Economic Education Exchange Program.  The grant will benefit The Sage Colleges civics education program, called Civics Mosaic II: Issues Facing Our World.

"This great program allows American students to learn about the culture of their foreign counterparts, and to gain insights into international policy and gain expertise about an important area in our world," said Congresswoman Gillibrand.  "The Sage Colleges have long been national leaders in providing a strong civics education to students and this exchange program will allow our college students an opportunity to strengthen their diplomatic skills."

Civics Mosaic II is an international civics program that creates partnerships between American and Russian regions.  The counterpart regions collaborate on shared research projects and cultural exchange activities.  Grant funding will be used it improve teacher and student understand of the history, culture, government and civic education of their partner region and country.

"This funding will enable the Sage colleges to continue to provide a well rounded education that will give their students the skills to foster better relationships within the world community, something that is critically necessary in this day and age.  I hope that with the culture, history, and skills that this program will provide to its students, the roots for a positive relationship with Russia and Eurasia can be planted right in the Capital Region," said Congressman McNulty

Education funding is a high priority for Representatives Gillibrand and McNulty.  In January, the Capital Region Representatives voted for a $1.2 billion increase in education spending for fiscal year 2007 [H J Res 20].  The Department of Education’s Cooperative Civic Education and Economic Education Exchange Program fosters cultural exchange between countries on the issues of civics, government and economics. 

The Sage Colleges- consisting of Russell Sage College, Sage College of Albany, and Sage Graduate School in Albany and Rensselaer County - have an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students.

# # #