The A4EHG Initiative
Helping Schools Expand Student Opportunity in History and Government Classrooms
Our mission is to equip educators with the tools, professional learning, and strategies needed to create classrooms where every student is engaged and supported.
Through the A4EHG grant, we focus on increasing access to advanced courses for underrepresented students, providing educators with effective instructional practices, and fostering learning environments that promote academic achievement.
Together, we are strengthening classroom experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and success for all students.
Key Features and Benefits
Professional Development & Coaching: Engaging workshops and ongoing coaching designed to strengthen instructional practices, support student success, and foster classrooms where all learners can thrive.
Research-Based Resources: Comprehensive tools and strategies that reinforce high expectations, student engagement, and effective teaching approaches.
Collaborative Nationwide Community of Practice: A nationwide network where educators connect, exchange strategies, and receive ongoing support to expand student participation in AP courses.
Federal Support: A U.S. Department of Education-funded initiative dedicated to broadening access to AP U.S. History and AP Government.
Teacher Stipend for Participation: Compensation for educators actively engaging in professional learning and collaboration to increase student achievement.
Increased Student Opportunity: Helping more students enroll, participate, and excel in rigorous AP courses by cultivating a supportive learning environment.
Hear from our Current Partners:
“There are some things that I’ve taken from this work and applied not just in my classroom but in professional development at the school level. It’s not just applicable to the classroom—it reaches far beyond, impacting a larger number of students and even extracurricular programming.”
“It’s been really exciting to work with other social studies teachers. One of the things that most professional development programs lack is that actual ‘walk away with something to use tomorrow’ component. The opportunity to learn from each other and be inspired by each other is really helpful.”
“I think the one thing the EOS team has done a really great job of is making the lessons turnkey. Teachers can implement them right in their lesson plans, and it’s small tweaks that could be easily applied to what they’re already doing – just to make it more relevant, more iterative, to give children opportunities to do better and continue to own their work.”
Meet the Team
Anna Leigh Marquez is the Partnership Director for the A4EHG grant initiative, bringing 17 years of experience in education with a focus on creating supportive and engaging learning environments for all students. She has served as an Instructional Coach, Department Chair, and Social Studies Teacher, earning recognition as Teacher of the Year at both Ardrey Kell HS and West Charlotte HS, and was a finalist for Teacher of the Year.
At Ardrey Kell, Anna Leigh led initiatives to improve learning environments for every student, facilitated professional development, and collaborated with the Instructional Leadership Team to enhance instructional practices. As an AP Pilot African American Studies Teacher, she developed curricula that reflected the experiences and perspectives of a wide range of students.
Anna Leigh’s leadership and expertise support educators in creating AP U.S. History and Government classrooms that meet the needs of all students. She is dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to rigorous academic opportunities and a sense of belonging.
Dr. Stacey Brown has 28 years of experience in education and currently serves as Director of Learning and Development for the A4EHG grant initiative. She leads professional learning for teachers to foster a sense of belonging and engagement among students in AP U.S. History and Government classes, with a particular focus on creating supportive environments for all learners.
Previously, Dr. Stacey worked in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as a High School Equity Specialist, focusing on increasing African American and Hispanic student participation in AP courses. She also spent 15 years at the University of Maryland, where she supported initiatives aimed at improving student success in academic achievement programs and the University Career Center.
Outside of her professional work, Dr. Stacey is deeply engaged in her community and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and practicing mindfulness.