WUCF's America250 initiative is a three-year project celebrating the founding of our nation 250 years ago. Through new local and national content, community events, and educational programs, we explore themes of civic engagement, history, and unity. This initiative connects Central Floridians of all ages and backgrounds to our shared past while inspiring active participation in shaping our future.

WUCF’s America250 initiative is supported in part by the Ginsburg Family Foundation.

 Coming September 2025: WUCF will produce Dishin' Democracy, a civics-focused dinner event where Central Floridians will gather for a facilitated conversation over a meal. Through Dishin' Democracy, 8-10 individuals from varied backgrounds will convene to discuss pressing democratic issues, fostering understanding and civil discourse while deepening community Connections. The event will feature screening clips of The American Revolution, as well as local content from WUCF, to set the scene for discussion.

Next year, WUCF Jazz will debut a new radio series exploring how jazz shaped—and was shaped by—key moments in U.S. history. From the blues of the Jim Crow South to the bebop of postwar America, each episode connects the music to the nation's evolving story.

WUCF provides free access to trusted, fact-based, in-depth, uninterrupted, and timely information around civic engagement in Florida, and our country’s 250th birthday. 

The Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government  at the University of Central Florida houses the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship and is a leading provider of civic education instructional and professional development resources in Florida. They work to help strengthen the civic education capacity of Florida’s K-12 education system through research, policy analysis, and advocacy. Learn more.

The Pledge Central Florida  is a call to action for residents of Central Florida who are tired of hateful discourse and want to create a safe and inclusive community for all. The pledge asks residents to commit to treating all people with kindness and respect, especially those with whom they disagree. Learn more.

Meet The Helpers features two new Helpers in 2024 that support democracy and make information available for everyone: American Sign Language Interpreter and a Public Service Worker. The new Helpers segments are airing on WUCF TV and are available to stream here.

University of Central Florida Civil Discourse and Engagement hosts various Public Policy Events throughout the year. Learn more.

University of Central Florida Government and Community Relations provides resources and information on the six amendments on the ballot this election cycle and is an early voting location. Learn more.

PBS LearningMedia Civics Collections empowers student citizens by teaching civic knowledge and understanding through applied examples from U.S. history and skills such as analyzing civic engagement and engaging in civil discourse. Focusing on multiple perspectives and diverse stories, these resources enable all students to see themselves as civic actors and prepare them to engage in civic political life. Learn more.