Montgomery, AL – Kay Ivey released a message encouraging Alabama high school students to participate in a national civics and American history competition as the United States prepares to mark its 250th birthday.
In her message, the governor highlighted the Presidential 1776 Award, a nationwide academic challenge launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education. The initiative aims to promote a deeper understanding of the nation’s founding, civic traditions and the principles of self-government among high school students.
“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 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 across the country. Top-performing students from each state will advance to regional semifinals. Finalists will then compete in a nationally broadcast championship in Washington, D.C.
Scholarship prizes totaling $250,000 will be awarded to top competitors.
In her message, Ivey encouraged Alabama students to take part and emphasized the state’s historical contributions to the nation, referencing achievements in aerospace, shipbuilding and civil rights history. She noted that the competition offers students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of American history and civics while competing for scholarships.
Registration for the Presidential 1776 Award is currently open at Presidential1776Award.org. Interested high school students must register online before February 22, 2026.
The online test will be available between February 22, 2026, and March 1, 2026.
