Meryl Streep backs women's history education as two teachers earn award for AP course campaign

Two high school history teachers from California are set to receive the first Meryl Streep Educator Award at a national awards gala on 6 November 2026. The award recognises their work to create the first Advanced Placement course focused entirely on American women's history. The award ceremony will take place in Chicago.

It follows a major donation worth seven figures that actor Meryl Streep made to the National Women's History Museum in March 2026. The donation aims to expand the museum's educational programmes and digital learning resources. According to announcements from PR Newswire and the National Women's History Museum, Kristen Kelly and Serene Williams, teachers at Sacred Heart Preparatory in Atherton, California, were selected for their work to develop an Advanced Placement U.S.

Women's History course. The course is informally known as WAPUSH. Their campaign has received official support from 100 universities and colleges across the United States.National recognition at Chicago galaThe award will be presented during the museum's 15th annual Women Making History Awards Gala.