Hamilton Education Program (EduHam)

The Hamilton Education Program, also known as EduHam, is a groundbreaking initiative designed to engage students with American history through the lens of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton. Launched in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, EduHam provides participating schools with educational resources, opportunities for student performances, and access to subsidized Hamilton tickets. This article delves into the various aspects of the program and explores its impact on both students and educators.

Overview of the Hamilton Education Program (EduHam)

EduHam was established in 2015 by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History to enhance students’ understanding of the founding era of the United States. The program aims to make American history more accessible and engaging by incorporating the music, themes, and historical context of Hamilton into classroom learning. Through a combination of study materials, student projects, and live performances, EduHam offers a unique educational experience for students in participating schools.

Goals and Objectives of EduHam

The primary goals of the Hamilton Education Program are to:

• Provide students with a deeper understanding of the founding era of the United States.
• Encourage creativity and self-expression through the creation of original student projects.
• Foster a love for theater and an appreciation for the arts.
• Make Hamilton performances accessible to a broader range of students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

Participating Schools and Students

EduHam is primarily targeted at Title I high schools in the United States, with a focus on reaching underserved communities and students from low-income backgrounds. Since its inception, the program has expanded to include schools in various locations across the country, with tens of thousands of students having participated in the program to date.

Curriculum and Educational Resources

The Hamilton Education Program provides a wealth of resources for educators to integrate Hamilton into their curriculum, covering subjects such as history, language arts, and social studies.

Study Materials

EduHam offers a comprehensive suite of study materials, including historical documents, primary sources, and multimedia resources that align with key themes and moments from Hamilton. These materials are designed to help students draw connections between the musical’s narrative and the broader historical context, deepening their understanding of the founding era.

Online Access

Through the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s online platform, participating schools gain access to a wealth of additional educational resources, including lesson plans, quizzes, and interactive activities that complement the Hamilton-inspired curriculum.

Integration with Core Subjects

EduHam’s educational resources are designed to be easily integrated into core subjects, such as history, language arts, and social studies. By weaving Hamilton into existing curriculum, educators can create engaging and immersive learning experiences that resonate with students and encourage a deeper appreciation for American history.

Student Projects and Performances

As part of the Hamilton Education Program, students are tasked with creating original projects inspired by their study of the founding era. These projects provide an opportunity for students to explore their creativity and connect with history on a personal level.

Creation of Original Pieces

Students participating in EduHam are encouraged to create original pieces, such as songs, raps, poems, or scenes, that reflect their understanding of the founding era. Through this creative process, students not only deepen their knowledge of American history but also develop valuable skills in research, critical thinking, and self-expression.

Presentation of Student Work

Prior to attending a Hamilton performance, selected students have the opportunity to showcase their original pieces on stage at the theater. This experience allows students to share their work with their peers and Hamilton cast members, building confidence and fostering a sense of pride in their accomplishments.

The EduHam Experience

Attending a live performance of Hamilton is the culminating event for students participating in the Hamilton Education Program. Through subsidized tickets, EduHam ensures that a broader range of students can experience the magic of live theater.

Attending a Hamilton Performance

For many students, attending a Hamilton performance is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has a profound impact on their understanding of history and appreciation for the arts. The combination of EduHam’s educational resources and the live performance helps bring American history to life in a powerful and engaging way.

Q&A Sessions with Cast Members

As part of the EduHam experience, students have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions with Hamilton cast members. These sessions provide valuable insight into the world of theater and offer students the chance to connect with the performers who bring the story of Alexander Hamilton to life on stage.

Impact of EduHam on Students and Teachers

The Hamilton Education Program has had a significant impact on both students and educators, fostering engagement with American history, encouraging creativity, and cultivating a love for theater.

Engagement with American History

Through its innovative curriculum and resources, EduHam has successfully engaged students with American history, making the subject more accessible and relatable. By connecting history to the music, themes, and narrative of Hamilton, students are better able to understand and appreciate the founding era of the United States.

Building Confidence and Creativity

The process of creating and presenting original projects inspired by the founding era has helped students build confidence in their creative abilities and develop valuable skills in self-expression, research, and critical thinking. These skills are transferable to other areas of their education and personal lives, contributing to their overall growth and development.

Fostering a Love for Theater

By providing access to a live performance of Hamilton and opportunities to interact with cast members, EduHam has fostered a love for theater in participating students. For many, this exposure to the arts has ignited a passion for theater that extends beyond the classroom and inspires them to engage with and appreciate the performing arts throughout their lives.

Expansion of the Program and Future Plans

Due to its success and positive impact on students and educators, the Hamilton Education Program has continued to expand, reaching more schools and students across the United States. Plans for the future include further growth of the program, as well as the development of additional educational resources and experiences that build on the success of EduHam.

Conclusion

The Hamilton Education Program has demonstrated the power of theater and the arts to engage students with American history, foster creativity, and inspire a love for theater. By leveraging the cultural phenomenon of Hamilton and providing innovative educational resources and experiences, EduHam has had a lasting impact on participating students, educators, and the broader theater community.