Alabama Governor Invites High School Students to Compete in Civics Challenge

Competition offers $250,000 in scholarships as nation prepares to celebrate 250th birthday

Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama has released a video message inviting high school students across the state to participate in the Presidential 1776 Award, a nationwide civics and American history competition launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education. The competition begins with an online civics exam, with top-performing students advancing to regional semifinals and a nationally broadcast championship in Washington, D.C. Scholarship prizes totaling $250,000 are available for the top competitors.

Why it matters

As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, this competition aims to encourage a deeper understanding of America's founding, civic traditions, and principles of self-government among the next generation of leaders. The competition aligns with Governor Ivey's goal of preparing Alabama's youth to carry the nation's legacy forward.

The details

The Presidential 1776 Award competition begins with the 'Impossible Test,' an online civics exam open to high school students nationwide. Top-performing students from each state will advance to regional semifinals, with finalists competing in a nationally broadcast championship in Washington, D.C. Scholarship prizes totaling $250,000 are available for the top competitors.

  • Registration for the Presidential 1776 Award is open now at Presidential1776Award.org.
  • All interested high school students must register online before February 22, 2026.
  • The Presidential 1776 Award Online Test will be available between February 22, 2026, and March 1, 2026.

The players

Governor Kay Ivey

The governor of Alabama who released a video message inviting high school students to participate in the Presidential 1776 Award competition.

U.S. Department of Education

The federal agency that has partnered with the state of Alabama to launch the Presidential 1776 Award competition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This summer, we will celebrate America's 250th birthday – two and a half centuries of the greatest nation the world has ever known. As we mark that milestone, we have a responsibility to prepare the next generation to carry it forward.”

— Governor Kay Ivey

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This competition represents an important effort to engage high school students in learning about America's founding principles and civic traditions as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday. By offering substantial scholarship prizes, the competition aims to inspire the next generation of leaders and strengthen their understanding of self-government.