; and (2) incorporate evidence-based practices to enhance student learning and engagement in civics and history. 6. Grants to institutions of higher education (a) Program authorized The Secretary of Education is authorized to make grants to institutions of higher education, on a competitive basis, to assist such institutions in developing and implementing programs to train elementary and secondary school teachers in methods for instructing and engaging students in American civics and history. (b) Contents of application As part of the application required under section 3(b), an institution of higher education shall include a proposal demonstrating that the institution— (1) has the ability to train elementary and secondary school teachers to provide comprehensive civics education; (2) is familiar with research on practices that are proven to contribute to effective instruction in civics and history and will incorporate such research into the training provided to teachers using the grant; and (3) will use the grant to make training in civics education available to elementary and secondary school teachers in the State or geographic region served by the institution. (c) Priority of awards In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to institutions of higher education that propose to use the grant to carry out training programs for teachers that— (1) address the specific needs of teachers working with traditionally underserved students, including rural and inner-city urban students and English learners; and (2) incorporate evidence-based practices for improving the ability of teachers to provide effective instruction in civics and history. 7. Research grants (a) Program authorized The Secretary of Education is authorized to make grants, on a competitive basis, to qualified researchers to research and evaluate— (1) elementary and secondary school students’ knowledge of American civics and history