Daniels Fund

The Gazette recently highlighted the growing need for civic knowledge as America approaches its 250th anniversary. In “Half of Americans don’t know what the 250th anniversary celebrates,” Vince Bzdek points to the importance of civic education and recognizes the Daniels Fund’s Civics Big Bet and founding sponsorship of the National Civics Bee. At the Daniels Fund, we believe civic knowledge helps young people understand their country, engage in their communities, and carry forward the responsibilities of self-government. Read the full piece in The Gazette: https://bit.ly/44sOJip

Third Place Winner: Stephanie Ruiz For Daniels Scholar Stephanie Ruiz, America 250 is a reminder that birthdays are not only about celebrating where we began, but also honoring the people, values, and acts of generosity that helped shape the journey. Her reflection connects America’s 250th birthday to the little things that build strong families, strong communities, and a stronger nation: lending a helping hand, showing pride in where we come from, and choosing to give to others. As America celebrates this historic milestone, Stephanie reminds us that a life well lived is not measured by what we keep, but by what we give, and that each act of generosity can help light the way for someone else. #BillDaniels #BeLikeBill #America250 #DanielsScholars

Second Place Winner: Hunter King For Daniels Scholar Hunter King, America 250 is a celebration of the ordinary people who do extraordinary things every day through hard work, service, and perseverance. Her reflection honors the business owners, healthcare workers, first responders, tradespeople, volunteers, neighbors, and community members who help build a stronger future by showing up faithfully for others. As America marks 250 years, Hunter reminds us to be grateful for the freedoms we have inherited, the communities we are part of, and the people who continue to invest in the next generation. #BillDaniels #BeLikeBill #America250 #DanielsScholars

First Place Winner: Simeon Moses For Daniels Scholar Simeon Moses, America 250 is a reminder of the generations who believed the future could be better than the present and chose to build opportunities they may never personally benefit from. As America celebrates 250 years, Simeon reminds us that our nation’s story is not only something to celebrate. It is something to live through gratitude, service, leadership, and a commitment to creating opportunity for others. #BillDaniels #BeLikeBill #America250 #DanielsScholars

Daniels Fund President and CEO Hanna Skandera Grady authored “Freedom is a commitment of the people, not a guarantee,” reflecting on America’s 250th anniversary, Colorado’s upcoming 150th birthday, and the responsibility we all share in carrying self-government forward. Two hundred and fifty years after ordinary citizens signed their names to an extraordinary idea, Hanna reminds us that freedom requires more than celebration. It requires knowledge, character, service, and a renewed commitment to civic education. Her piece points to an encouraging truth: Americans may be divided by politics, but we remain deeply connected by shared values and a belief that the next generation must be prepared to understand their rights, embrace their responsibilities, and help strengthen the communities we call home. Read the full article: https://bit.ly/4y4KGGF

Happy 250th America! 🇺🇸 As our nation celebrates 250 years since its founding, we asked Daniels Scholars to reflect on what this milestone means to them. Their responses filled us with pride, purpose, and optimism. Through their words, we are reminded that America 250 is not only a time to honor our nation’s history, but also an opportunity to reflect on the values, freedoms, responsibilities, and opportunities that continue to shape our future. To keep the celebration going, we will be sharing more reflections from Daniels Scholars as they celebrate what America’s 250th anniversary means to them and how they are carrying forward gratitude, character, leadership, service, and civic pride. Wishing everyone a safe, meaningful, and happy Fourth of July! Check out https://lnkd.in/e7PAqKAa to learn more!

As we celebrate Bill Daniels' birthday and America's 250th anniversary, we're reflecting on one of the values that defined Bill's life—his deep love of country. Bill believed that every American has a responsibility to be an engaged citizen. That starts with understanding our nation's history and founding principles—and putting that knowledge into action by serving others, strengthening our communities, and helping leave our country better than we found it. Today, Bill's legacy continues through the Daniels Scholarship Program, the National Civics Bee, and other initiatives that inspire young people to deepen their civic knowledge, lead with integrity, serve, and make a positive difference. Bill's life reminds us that citizenship means showing up. To learn more about the Daniels Fund's America 250 work, please visit https://lnkd.in/e7PAqKAa #BillDaniels #BeLikeBill #America250 #Patriotism #Civics #DanielsScholars

Daniels Fund President and CEO Hanna Skandera Grady recently authored a new opinion piece in the Washington Examiner titled, "America at 250: The civic renewal people want." As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Hanna explores what continues to unite Americans: a shared belief in the responsibilities of freedom, the importance of civic education, and the institutions that prepare the next generation for engaged citizenship. At the Daniels Fund, we believe a strong republic depends on informed, responsible citizens. By investing in civic knowledge, character, and leadership, we help equip young people to contribute meaningfully to their communities and our nation. Read the full piece in the Washington Examiner: https://bit.ly/4exNSTp Explore more America at 250 content: https://lnkd.in/e7PAqKAa

Colorado’s story has always been shaped by people who step up for one another. The new documentary project that celebrates Colorado's spirit of generosity as we mark 150 years as a state invites us to reflect on that legacy and consider how each of us can help shape the next chapter. Explore the films at https://bit.ly/49vjw1q #CO150film #Colorado150

Still thinking about these moments from SHIFTCollege. The smiles, the conversations, the encouragement, the new friendships, and the sense of belonging all tell a bigger story about what it means to be part of the Daniels Scholar community. SHIFTCollege may be designed to help scholars prepare for college, but the experience is also about reminding them that they are not stepping into this next chapter alone. They have a community behind them, leaders who believe in them, and fellow scholars walking alongside them. To the newest Daniels Scholars: we hope these moments are just the beginning of the confidence, connection, and purpose you carry into college and beyond.