2010 Census: It's About Us

From Thomas L. Mesenbourg, Acting Census Director:

Preparations for the 2010 Decennial Census are accelerating. The census counts everyone residing in the United States – in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. These counts determine the reapportionment of Congressional seats and the allocation of significant resources, including over $300 billion per year in federal and state funding allocated to communities for schools, Title 1 programs, special education, neighborhood improvements, public health, and other programs and services.

The U.S. Census has developed a program of lessons and resources titled the 2010 Census: It’s About Us. The materials explain the operation and importance of an accurate census, showing students that the census is integral to many fundamental concepts of our democracy, including the Constitution, history, congress, our government, and public service.