This unique contest, created by the U.S. Department of Education and supported by the expertise of James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation's teacher fellows and EBSCOed, offers a scholarship prize pool of $250,000. The competition will test high school students' knowledge of the road to independence, the American Revolutionary War, and the foundational ideas of our nation. The first round, known as The Impossible Civics Test, is a 90 minute online exam open to everyone. From there, the top four high school students from each state, D.C., and U.S. Territories will advance to the regional semifinals. The finalists will then compete in a nationally-broadcast event in Washington, D.C.
Competition Process
Students have until February 21 to register! The Impossible Civics Test Window: February 22-28, 2026 Scholarship Prize Pool: $250,000 Four students from each state go to regional competitions on May 2 at Presidential Libraries with travel stipend Four students from each region go to the final competition in June at the Kennedy Center with all expenses paidJudging Criteria
Participate
Website: https://www.presidential1776award.org/
Managing Organization: U.S. Department of Education
Eligibility:
The competition is open to all American students currently enrolled in grades 9-12, 14-19 years of age, and living in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories at the date of registration. U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, and Lawful Permanent Residents are eligible.
The competition is open to all American students currently enrolled in grades 9-12, 14-19 years of age, and living in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories at the date of registration. U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, and Lawful Permanent Residents are eligible.
Registration Dates
February 1, 2026
12:01am PST
Registration Opens
February 21, 2026
12:01am PST