MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Gov. Kay Ivey is encouraging Alabama high school students to take part in a nationwide civics and American history competition as the country prepares to mark its 250th birthday.
In a video message released Thursday, Ivey highlighted the Presidential 1776 Award, a national challenge launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education. The competition is designed 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,” Ivey said in the 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 across the country. Top-performing students from each state will advance to regional semifinals, with finalists competing in a nationally televised championship in Washington, D.C.
Organizers say $250,000 in scholarship prizes will be awarded to top competitors.
Registration is open now at Presidential1776Award.org. Students must register by Feb. 22, 2026. The online test will be available from Feb. 22 through March 1, 2026.
In her message, Ivey pointed to Alabama’s historic contributions, including space exploration in Huntsville and shipbuilding in Mobile, and said she expects an Alabama student to finish at the top of the competition.
