Presidential 1776 Award
Funding Amount
Up to $150,000 (scholarships for top 3 winners)
Deadline
May 2, 2026
15 days left
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Presidential 1776 Award
Overview: A nationwide civics competition recognizing exceptional student knowledge of the American founding. This award program establishes a national scholarship contest that evaluates students' civic understanding and the principles that shaped the United States.
Focus Areas:
Award Amount: Up to $150,000 in scholarships for top three winners
Eligibility:
Geographic Scope: United States (all 50 states and territories)
Competition Format: Three-round national competition
Competition Stages:
#### Round One: The Impossible Civics Test
#### Round Two: Regional Semifinal Competitions
- Region 1: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum – Boston, Massachusetts
- Region 2: Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum – Atlanta, Georgia
- Region 3: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum – Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Region 4: George W. Bush Presidential Center – Dallas, Texas
- Region 5: Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum – Yorba Linda, California
#### Round Three: National Final
Background: The Presidential 1776 Award is one of the U.S. Department of Education's initiatives to celebrate America's 250th Birthday (Semiquincentennial). Hosted in partnership with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and presidential libraries.
Contact Information:
How to Apply
Application Process
#### Round One Registration:
1. Students register online for The Impossible Civics Test
2. Complete online, timed, electronically proctored multiple choice exam
3. Exam window: February 22-28, 2026
4. Four finalists from each state are selected based on exam scores
#### Round Two (Regional Semifinals):
1. State finalists automatically advance to regional competition
2. Competition date: May 2, 2026
3. Attend in-person regional semifinal at assigned location
4. Compete in verbal competition answering short answer questions
5. Submit answers on Constitution, American founding, and U.S. history
6. Top four students from each region advance to National Final
7. Claim modest stipend upon check-in to help defray attendance costs
#### Round Three (National Final):
1. Top 20 students (4 from each of 5 regions) compete
2. Participate in verbal short answer competition
3. Answer questions testing civics knowledge
4. Scoring: 1 point per correct answer
5. Top three winners receive scholarships up to $150,000
Note: Specific application portal and detailed registration procedures for Round One not provided in available documentation. Students should contact the U.S. Department of Education or visit official competition website for registration details.
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