CREATE250 Continues Statewide Expansion of Civic Learning

The CREATE250 initiative continues to build momentum across Indiana as educators, community partners, and university collaborators prepare for a summer of immersive civic learning experiences connected to America250 and the advancement of high-quality civic education statewide.

Summer Institute Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the 2026 We the People & CREATE250 Summer Institute, taking place July 13–16 at the University of Indianapolis. The Institute combines the long-standing educator-centered approach of the Indiana Bar Foundation’s We the People program with the CREATE250 initiative’s focus on civic inquiry, discourse, democratic engagement, and teacher leadership.

Interest in the program has been strong, with 39 of 60 available participant spaces already reserved. Educators from across Indiana will participate in seminar-style learning experiences focused on constitutional democracy, primary source inquiry, civic dialogue, ethical deliberation, and classroom implementation strategies.

  • Participants may choose between two learning tracks:
    • CREATE250 Civic Learning Lab
    • We the People Deep Dive

Educators will receive Professional Growth Points (PGPs), instructional materials, lodging and meals, and a stipend.

The Institute includes place-based civic learning experiences and collaborative planning opportunities designed to support implementation during the 2026–27 school year.

Registration information is available here:

2026 We the People & CREATE250 Summer Institute Registration

The developing Summer Institute schedule includes sessions on civic inquiry, constitutional democracy, civic dialogue, ethical reasoning, primary source analysis, teacher leadership, and classroom civic action projects. Featured collaborators include the Indiana Bar Foundation, the Prindle Institute for Ethics, the Indiana Historical Society, and the Community-Engaged Alliance. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Washington, D.C. Summer Immersion Finalized

CREATE250 has finalized major logistical planning for the Summer Immersion experience in Washington, D.C., scheduled for July 19–22. Participating educators have now received detailed travel and program information, including flights, lodging, orientation plans, and the tentative schedule developed in partnership with the Close Up Foundation.

The experience will provide educators with opportunities to engage directly with sites, institutions, and conversations connected to American democracy, constitutional history, and civic participation.

Community of Practice Expands Engagement

The CREATE250 Community of Practice (CoP) continues to grow through ongoing professional development programming and collaborative small-group learning structures.

In May, CREATE250 hosted a statewide professional development session connected to the National Civics Bee in partnership with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Educators explored civic knowledge resources, competition structures, and classroom connections that support civic learning and student engagement.

The project has also organized small mentor-led learning groups designed to support sustained collaboration throughout the year. Mentors and participants will meet regularly to discuss instructional strategies, civic inquiry projects, classroom implementation, and professional growth.

  • Mentor groups are now assigned and launching across the state.
  • Additional mentor training and support sessions are scheduled for May.
  • Monthly Community of Practice programming continues through the summer and upcoming school year.

Book Study and Professional Learning Opportunities

CREATE250 is continuing to expand professional learning opportunities for participating educators through statewide book studies and collaborative discussion sessions.

The first CREATE250 book study session with Jill Bradley-Levine has been scheduled, with an online discussion planned for July 23. Additional Community of Practice sessions are also being finalized in collaboration with civic education partners and faculty leaders across Indiana.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming weeks, the CREATE250 team will continue preparation for summer programming, finalize Community of Practice schedules, distribute pre-assessment materials, and support mentor group implementation across the state.

As Indiana prepares for America250, CREATE250 remains focused on strengthening civic learning, supporting educators, and expanding opportunities for meaningful democratic engagement in schools and communities statewide.