MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday released a video message inviting Alabama high school students to participate in a national civics and American history competition as the country prepares to mark its 250th birthday.
In her message, Ivey highlighted the Presidential 1776 Award, a nationwide challenge launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education to promote a deeper understanding of America’s founding, civic traditions and principles of self-government.
“This summer, we will celebrate America’s 250th birthday – two and a half centuries of the greatest nation the world has ever known,” said Governor Ivey in her video message. “As we mark that milestone, we have a responsibility to prepare the next generation to carry it forward.”
The 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. Finalists will then compete in a nationally broadcast championship in Washington, D.C.
Organizers said scholarship prizes totaling $250,000 are available for top competitors.
Registration for the Presidential 1776 Award is open at Presidential1776Award.org. All interested high school students must register online before Feb. 22, 2026.
The Presidential 1776 Award Online Test will be available between Feb. 22, 2026, and March 1, 2026.
