Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that La Joya Independent School District (LA Joya ISD) has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Department of Education’s Teaching American History Grants Program. The grant will be used to fund La Joya ISD’s project entitled Passion for United States (PUSH). The goal of this project is to raise student achievement in the subject of American History.

The PUSH project will be divided into three objectives: 1) to increase teacher knowledge in American history; 2) to increase student achievement in American history in grades K-12; and 3) to increase La Joya ISD’s capacity to provide long-term, sustained professional development in American history beyond the life of the grant, which is expected to continue through the next three years.

“As a member of Congress and a parent, I believe that it is very important to instill the importance of American History into our young people,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This grant will teach our students about the many important events that helped shape the America we know today.”

In total, 30 elementary, middle and high school teachers will be trained annually over the next three years. Additionally, 15 elementary teachers will receive an Associates Degree in History as part of a three-year, 10-course program that also includes secondary level History certification.

South Texas College and Texas A&M University are partnering with La Joya ISD in this project. Region One Education Center, Museum of South Texas History, Jamestown Yorktown Foundation, Pamplin Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier are also partners in this endeavor.

“La Joya ISD is elated about receiving these monies. The benefits are immense, and we could not have obtained this grant without the help of Congressman Cuellar,” said Alda Benavides, La Joya ISD Superintendent. “We will work diligently to continue expanding the students’ knowledge in History.”

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.

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