With America’s 250th birthday happening this year, CBS is hosting the Presidential 1776 Award special to mark the conclusion of the first-ever nationwide civics challenge.
Mario Lopez will be hosting the nationally televised broadcast special accompanying the competition, helping spotlight the stories and achievements of students from across the country.
“The Presidential 1776 Award is a unique opportunity to celebrate students who are passionate about civic knowledge and the American story,” Mario said in a statement. “I’m honored to be part of something that shines a light on these bright young people who will carry our nation into the future.”
What is the Presidential 1776 Award?
The competition was “created to celebrate America’s top high school students and their knowledge of the nation’s founding principles. The Presidential 1776 Award National Finals bring the top performers from each region to Washington, D.C., for a live, in-person competition that tests their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, America’s founding principles, and defining moments in U.S. history.”
The program establishes a national scholarship competition designed to promote civic literacy and celebrate academic excellence.
More about the rules and rounds
The Presidential 1776 Award competition is comprised of three stages, according to CBS.
Round One: During the week of February 22–28, 2026, students competed in The Impossible Civics Test, an online, timed, electronically proctored multiple-choice exam. Four finalists from each state and territory advanced.
Round Two: On May 2, 2026, 173 state finalists competed in one of five in-person regional semifinal competitions. During these oral competitions, students answered short-answer questions testing their understanding of the Constitution, America’s founding, and key moments in the nation’s history. The top four students from each region advanced to the National Final.
Round Three: The National Final will take place in Washington, D.C., on June 9, 2026. Students will compete in an oral academic competition, earning points for each correct answer. The top three finalists will win a total of $250,000 in scholarship prizes.
The multiple-choice and oral examinations for all three rounds were developed independently by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation.
Posted To:CBS Politics