WASHINGTON, D.C. February 15, 2026 – U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner has announced the launch of the Presidential 1776 Award, a new national competition inviting students to demonstrate their knowledge of American history and values as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on February 15, 2026, Secretary Turner encouraged young Americans to participate, stating: “Students, prove what you know about our great nation! Take part in the Presidential 1776 Award competition to showcase your skills and celebrate America’s 250th birthday.”
The initiative includes a direct application link: https://www.presidential1776award.org/.
The announcement, accompanied by a short video (approximately 78 seconds long), has garnered significant attention online, with over 1,200 likes, nearly 400 reposts, and tens of thousands of views within hours of posting. Turner, serving as the 19th Secretary of HUD, framed the competition as an opportunity for students to highlight their understanding of the nation’s founding principles and historical achievements.
The Presidential 1776 Award appears designed to promote patriotic education and civic engagement among youth, aligning with broader efforts to commemorate the United States’ semiquincentennial (250 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776). Details on eligibility, categories, prizes, judging criteria, and submission deadlines are expected to be available on the official website.
The post has sparked a range of reactions on social media. Supporters praised the program as a positive step to encourage historical awareness and national pride, with comments such as “LOVE this!!” and “This should be shared far and wide… This could be a big thing for the children.” Others expressed enthusiasm for its timing with America’s milestone anniversary.
Critics and skeptics raised concerns in replies, questioning potential biases in how history might be presented or tested. Some responses referenced controversial historical topics or accused the initiative of selective focus on certain aspects of U.S. history.
Further information about the competition’s structure and its connection to any federal departments or private partners is anticipated as the official site becomes more populated. Students and educators interested in participating are directed to visit https://www.presidential1776award.org/ for the latest updates and application instructions.
This announcement comes amid ongoing national discussions about history education, civic literacy, and preparations for the 2026 anniversary celebrations across the United States.
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