Driving Force Institute for Public Engagement: Reshaping American History Education

The Driving Force Institute for Public Engagement (DFI) stands at the forefront of revolutionizing American history education. With a mission to explore untold narratives, promote inclusive history, and resonate with teenage audiences, DFI is changing the way history is taught and learned in the education system. Unlike traditional methods, DFI produces and distributes short, engaging videos on American history that are accessible to everyone, free of charge.

Driven by Purpose: The Company’s Mission

The inception of DFI can be traced back to a moment of rejection. Its visionary founder, Patrick Riccards, was spearheading a history learning initiative at a previous job, only to see it rejected and his role eliminated. This setback fueled his determination to make history interesting and relevant for today’s learners. His profound belief in the potential of history education, focusing on delivering content in a manner that resonates with students and educators alike, drives DFI.

Despite early failures, DFI’s commitment to its vision remained unshaken. This persistence paid off, and today, DFI has over 50 million users, strategic collaborations with institutions like the Smithsonian and the American Battlefield Trust, and partnerships with state departments of education; DFI is proving that American history can captivate learners of all ages.

Navigating Leadership: Meet the Mind Behind DFI

At the helm of DFI is Patrick Riccards, the founder and CEO.
With a wealth of experience in clean energy technology and violence intervention, Patrick is no stranger to driving positive change. His leadership philosophy revolves around “thinking like historians,” a mantra he champions throughout DFI’s operations. He is also the executive director and CEO of Life After Hate, a leading organization in violence intervention.

Patrick’s journey includes roles as a university vice president, chief communications officer at the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, and CEO of the Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now. His extensive expertise and commitment to education have fueled DFI’s transformative initiatives.

Awards and Rewards

DFI’s excellence has not gone unnoticed, as seen by its accolades. These include the Excellence in Equity Award for Best Nonprofit Organization by the American Consortium for Equity in Education and the Silver Telly Awards in 2022.

The American Association of School Librarians recognized DFI with the Top Digital Tool award in 2021, further reinforcing its impact in the education sector.

Moreover, DFI’s engagement on social media platforms earned it the Social Media Award for Most Engaged Twitter Followers from Social Shake Up in 2020.

Nurturing Talent and Giving Back: People Management and CSR Initiatives

DFI’s dedication extends beyond education to community engagement. Patrick Riccards’ involvement in various organizations, such as the Center for the Collaborative Classroom and Project Tomorrow, underscores DFI’s commitment to social responsibility. Furthermore, DFI’s engagement with education associations and participation in leadership councils highlight its dedication to fostering positive change beyond the classroom.

Patrick’s writing, which includes books like “Dadprovement” and “Why Kids Can’t Read,” showcases his multifaceted contributions.

Empowering Education : Creating History

DFI’s success is rooted in its innovative product portfolio, with a focus on both current and future offerings. The “Untold History” series features over 500 open-source videos chronicling captivating stories from American history. This engaging content aligns with students’ preferences for bite-sized, visually appealing information. Additionally, “Why History Matters,” a new book released in 2023, compiles essays from esteemed educators on the significance of American history education.

To further enhance history education, DFI introduced the Walter W. Buckley, Jr. Prize in American History, a prestigious award honoring excellence in teaching and learning history. Moreover, DFI’s commitment to professional development is evident through its “Media in the Social Studies Classroom” video series, empowering social studies teachers with effective media integration strategies.

Charting the Course Ahead: A Glimpse into DFI’s Future

DFI’s journey began as a startup in 2020. Despite initial challenges, DFI quickly emerged as a prominent educational resource, collaborating with renowned entities like Makematic for video content production. Strategic content partnerships with prestigious institutions, including the Smithsonian and the New York Historical Society, propelled DFI’s growth trajectory. Collaborations with distribution partners like Scholastic and PBS LearningMedia further amplified its reach.

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, DFI is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of the nation’s history. Recognizing the knowledge gap in American history education, DFI conducted a national survey that underscored the urgent need for comprehensive education. Building on its success of producing impactful short films, DFI is gearing up to launch a comprehensive video curriculum for learners, celebrating the nation’s history and fostering a deep understanding of its evolution.

The Driving Force Institute for Public Engagement is rewriting the script of history education. By embracing innovation, inclusivity, and accessibility, DFI is fostering a generation of learners who understand the past and are equipped to shape a brighter future.