Round One of the Presidential 1776 Award is now closed. Thank you to all who participated! Regional finalists will be announced by March 30, 2026. See Competition Rules for details.

America 250

The Presidential 1776 Award

Learn from the past. Test your knowledge. Track your future.

America 250 celebration featuring iconic American landmarks and symbols
Countdown to the Test
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
STUDENT CONTEST

America's History

Learn about the Presidential 1776 Award: a history competition of a lifetime, supported by resources from the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation that covers the road to independence and the ideas that shaped our nation.

Learn More
TRACK YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Build Your Future

By participating in the Presidential 1776 Award competition, you unlock access to a free digital Learning & Employment Record (LER) from LER.me, (supported by EBSCOed) where you can continue to track your learning and skills over time.

Create a LER

From 1776 To Today...

The journey to independence was powered by people who believed in something bigger than themselves. By testing your knowledge in preparation for the America250 celebration and scholarship competition, you contribute to that story while drafting your own.

Knowledge of history can be seen as a skill. By understanding how America began, you'll sharpen the same critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that leaders used centuries ago. Skills that still matter today.

Revolutionary War soldier representing America's fight for independence
Founding Fathers of America

250 Years Strong

In 2026, America will celebrate 250 years of independence. This milestone serves as a reminder of how the United States came to be. The debates, the risks, the bold choices made, can be seen as a toolkit for problem-solving, leadership and vision.

That's why we're giving students an opportunity to connect with history and track what they learn in a new way.

How to Get Started

Sign Up

Sign up for the contest newsletter to get information and instructions when contest registration opens Feb 1, 2026.

Study

Use the Study Library to enhance your history knowledge.

Track

Track your new knowledge and skills in your free Learning & Employment Record (LER).

Share

Share your LER with colleges or future employers to showcase your knowledge and skills.

Stay Updated

As part of the America 250 celebration, the US Department of Education is announcing the Presidential 1776 Award competition, which aims to enhance students' understanding of civics and knowledge of America's founding. With $250,000 in scholarship awards on the line, you won't want to miss the opportunity to register for the February 22-28 online test period. Sign up today to receive full test information and notice when Contest Registration opens.