History Counts
The History Counts Award uplifts those promoting history, democracy, and civic engagement to support youth-led social justice across North Carolina.
WHAT?
HONORING DOROTHY COUNTS-SCOGGINS
The History Counts Award was created to honor the legacy of Dorothy “Dot” Counts-Scoggins, whose courage as one of the first Black students to desegregate a public high school in Charlotte, NC, laid the foundation for a life of advocacy and justice. The award recognizes educators, students, and community members across North Carolina who continue that legacy by using history, democracy, and civic engagement to inspire social change.
Through the History Counts Award and Youth-Led Mini Grants, the program supports social justice projects grounded in historical perspectives. Awardees receive funding lead efforts that address local injustices and improve schools, communities, and the broader education system.
SO WHAT?
THE WORK
History is not only a reflection of where we’ve been, but a blueprint for how we move forward. The History Counts initiative ensures that youth and communities understand and activate the power of historical truth in today’s fight for justice. It honors those who courageously advocate for democracy, inclusion, and civic leadership—just as Dot Counts-Scoggins did.
By linking past and present, the award equips new generations to recognize injustice, respond with purpose, and design lasting solutions for their schools and communities. The 2025 History Counts Awardees were announced at Color of Education 2025.
NOW WHAT?
GET INVOLVED
Whether you’re an educator, student, or community leader, the History Counts initiative provides support to bring your ideas to life:
Nominate Change Makers
History Counts Youth-Led Mini Grants
The Dudley Flood Center is offering Youth-Led Mini Grants to support youth-driven projects that promote history, civic engagement, and social justice within their communities. These grants encourage young leaders to develop and implement projects that address local issues through a historical lens, grounded in the principles of equity and community empowerment. The program is a nod to the “History Counts” award, aiming to foster youth leadership, democratic participation, and social justice efforts across North Carolina.
- Youth-Led: The project must be led by youth under the age of 18. Adult partners or mentors are welcome but the project leadership must come from youth.
- Issue-Based: The project should address a clearly defined issue that is grounded in historical perspectives and promotes social justice. Applicants should demonstrate how their project will better the community, school, or state by addressing a long-term or short-term injustice.
- Partnerships: Youth applicants should partner with a community-based organization, school, or local group that aligns with their project’s goals. Strong partnerships will be considered a plus, especially if they enhance the project’s impact and sustainability.
- Sustainability: Projects that can demonstrate long-term impact and a plan for sustaining the work post-grant are encouraged. How will the grant contribute to the larger strategic goals of the project, and how will the work continue beyond the immediate funding?
- Operational Excellence: Proposals must include a clear budget that outlines how the grant funds will be used. Successful proposals should also detail how success will be measured, whether through community impact, youth engagement, or another method.
- Recipients are required to submit a final report detailing the project’s impact, how the funds were spent, and receipts by the end of their grant term.
- All projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving the grant.
- This mini-grant is an opportunity for youth across North Carolina to lead initiatives that advance social justice, promote historical understanding, and build a more equitable future.
- Submission: Applications can be submitted at any time and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Funding Decision: Applications will be reviewed by a committee at the Dudley Flood Center. Youth leaders will receive notification of their funding status within four weeks of submission.
- The grant cannot be used for purchasing alcohol or engaging in partisan political activities.
- Projects must have a North Carolina-based focus, connecting youth to community initiatives in one of the state’s 8 educational regions.
- Projects should reflect the principles of social justice by addressing specific needs or injustices within their community, school, or state.
Counts Blogs
History tells a story that informs the future. It shapes our understanding, inspires our path forward, and builds our faith in the face of adversity. We show that #HistoryCounts when we honor and learn from the experiences of those who’ve come before us. History helps us to create new opportunities for hope, resilience, and change.
We use #HistoryCounts moments as a way to ground our work in truth, to tell the stories told less frequently, and to speak truth to power. #HistoryCounts moments highlight significant people and events in history and show the connections between the past and present. We hope that you find these moments informative and inspiring.
#HistoryCounts Blogs
