WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education and CBS will broadcast the national finals of the inaugural Presidential 1776 Award competition on Tuesday, June 30, showcasing a nationwide civics contest that drew more than 8,000 high school students and will award up to $250,000 in scholarships.
The televised competition, scheduled to air from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time on CBS and stream the following day on Paramount+, features 20 finalists selected through a multi-stage academic challenge focused on the U.S. Constitution, American founding principles, and key moments in U.S. history.
The national finals were held June 9 in Washington and represent the culmination of a competition launched as part of federal efforts tied to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.
According to the Education Department, students advanced through an online qualifying exam and regional semifinal competitions before reaching the final round. The original field included participants from all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon characterized the program as an effort to promote civic literacy and constitutional knowledge among high school students.
“These remarkable students have already distinguished themselves through an extraordinary demonstration of civic knowledge, leadership, and commitment to the principles that define our nation,” McMahon said.
The competition consisted of three stages. Students first completed an online, timed civics examination in February. State finalists then competed in five regional oral competitions in May before advancing to the national championship.
The top three finishers in the national finals will receive scholarship awards from a prize pool totaling $250,000.
Multiple-choice and oral examinations for all rounds were developed independently by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation.
Among the students advancing to the national finals is Pennsylvania alternate finalist Wasif Jaigirdar. Other finalists represent states across the country, including Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Susan Zirinsky, president and executive producer of See It Now Studios at Paramount, said the competition highlights student interest in constitutional studies and American history.
“Their passion for understanding the Constitution, our founding principles and defining moments in history assure all of us that they cherish the principles of democracy,” Zirinsky said.
The special is produced by Alongi Media, with Phil Alongi and Gideon Hayes serving as executive producers.
The Presidential 1776 Award is one of several initiatives the Education Department has launched in connection with the country’s semiquincentennial celebration. Related efforts include the History Rocks! Trail to Independence Tour and participation in the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, a partnership of national and state organizations focused on civics education.
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