Delaware Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay and Secretary of Education Cindy Marten celebrated 302 Day today by visiting fourth-grade classrooms to engage students in hands-on civics learning as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The visits, held in partnership with the Delaware Public Archives and the Delaware State Education Association (DSEA), took place at four elementary schools in the Appoquinimink, Lake Forest, Smyrna, and Christina school districts. During each stop, Lt. Gov. Gay and Secretary Marten read and discussed a civics-themed book with students and lead conversations about Delaware’s role as the First State.

Fourth grade was intentionally selected to align with Delaware’s social studies standards, which emphasize state and local government, history, and civic responsibility. Teachers were selected in partnership with the DSEA to highlight classrooms demonstrating strong civics instruction and student engagement.

“Delaware is in a literacy emergency, and literacy is foundational to a healthy democracy,” said Secretary Marten. “Students must be able to read critically, evaluate evidence, and express their ideas clearly in order to fully and meaningfully participate in civic life. Civic learning comes alive when students see themselves in the story of our state and our nation, and when they see that their voice carries weight. As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are strengthening literacy and civics together because strong schools sustain a strong democracy. When we start with students and build for impact, we prepare every learner for college, career, and civic life where all students contribute meaningfully to their communities.” 

The classroom visits reinforce the importance of Delaware’s recent $8.7 million federal Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant awarded to the Delaware Department of Education to strengthen civics education statewide. The grant will support high-quality, evidence-based civics instruction through educator professional learning, classroom resources, and innovative strategies that deepen civic knowledge and student engagement.

“High-quality education beginning in our children’s earliest years lays the groundwork for lifelong success. Integrating creative approaches to learning, as this project demonstrates, fosters a deeper love for learning and strengthens student outcomes,” said Lt. Governor Gay. “The opportunity to discuss our state and nation’s rich, complex history is essential in preparing the next generation of leaders. By understanding the lessons of the past, students will be better equipped to build a stronger tomorrow. It is my hope that our time with these students will impart the true purpose of 302 Day – that being a state of neighbors means continuing to care and invest in our communities together.” 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

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