MADISON – For 2020, Liberty Learning Foundation adapted its curriculum approach for “The Next Great Americans Tour” because the COVID-19 pandemic has limited public gatherings, like auditoriums full of students.

Sparkman teachers helped with the video-led virtual kickoff.

The program provides civic education programs and live experiences (when possible) that improve the child, community and country. With the community’s help, Liberty Learning Foundation donates groundbreaking resources, trains teachers, mobilizes volunteers and orchestrates emotionally charged events to teach, inspire and empower today’s youth (who are “our Next Great Americans”). (libertylearning.org)

Liberty Learning’s educational experience normally features hundreds of students gathered to cheer, sing and celebrate together. However, this year’s virtual kickoff delivered engagement and enthusiasm to help schools teach civics, character, history, financial literacy and careers, whether students watch inside smaller classrooms or in the safety of their own homes.

The American Character program creates an experience for students to understand the Great American story that helps them discover and define their role in America’s future.

This resource teaches the history behind 10 pivotal American characters, including Harriet Tubman, Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln. The lessons highlight character traits that distinguish these individuals as extraordinarily significant heroes in American history.

The program concludes with a student-led “Expo” for students to share their ideas and launch service projects with peers and parents. By defining characters from the nation’s past, students can develop their own strong character for America’s future.

Local professionals, like Lisa Williams, posted videos to encourage the students. Williams is President of Solider 1 Corporation in Huntsville and a community volunteer. Williams wanted to let the Sparkman seventh-graders know that she is supporting them and is urging them to learn all they can.

Sponsors for American Character study are Alabama Department of Education, Alabama Humanities Foundation, AlaTrade Foods Inc., Alfa, Bank Independent, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Century Automotive Group, Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, Madison County Commission, Malone Family Foundation, Onyx Aerospace, Radiance Technologies, Regions Bank, Rep. Andy Whitt, Screentech and Soldier1 Corporation.

For more information, email getinvolved@libertylearning.org or visit libertylearning.org.