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On June 30, 2026, 1.63 million Americans tuned in to CBS to watch something that would have been unthinkable a decade ago: a prime-time civics competition. A 17-year-old homeschooler from Lander, Wyoming, named Miriam Washut outlasted more than 8,000 students from every state and U.S. territory to win the first-ever Presidential 1776 Award — a $150,000 scholarship and a Presidential Challenge Coin from the Oval Office. Summer Brondstetter of Washington took second and $75,000

On June 30, 2026, the United States Supreme Court handed down one of the most significant constitutional rulings in a generation. In a sharp 6-3 decision, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees automatic birthright citizenship to virtually all children born in the United States — firmly rejecting an executive order that sought to limit it. The ruling cited the Framers of the Fourteenth Amendment, the 1898 Wong Kim Ark case, and 160 years of

Right now, a Boeing 737 is flying across America carrying something extraordinary: nine original founding-era documents from the National Archives. It's called the Freedom Plane National Tour, and it's the first time in history these documents have traveled together. A rare 1823 engraving of the Declaration of Independence. George Washington's Oath of Allegiance from Valley Forge. The Treaty of Paris that recognized America as an independent nation. A secret draft of the Cons

An opinion piece in Education Week this month carried a striking headline: "America at 250: Our Classrooms Are Too Quiet." A high school history teacher reported that her students weren't arguing in class — not because they lacked opinions, but because they lacked the foundational knowledge to form them. She's not alone. An NPR/PBS Marist poll released for America's 250th birthday found that too many Americans can't name the three branches of government. The Christian Science

On July 9, 2026, something historic happened at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The Center for Civic Education and the National Constitution Center officially launched Teaching 250 — a curriculum initiative designed to put constitutional literacy back into every American classroom during the nation's 250th anniversary year. It's part of a wave. The U.S. Department of Education's Freedom 250 initiative. The America 250 Civics Education Coalition — over 50 org

As the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, a quiet but powerful movement is taking shape in America's classrooms. The U.S. Department of Education, state education leaders, and nonprofits across the country are converging on a single urgent message: civic literacy isn't optional — it's foundational to democracy itself. Virginia is leading the charge. In a groundbreaking effort to renew students' patriotic understanding and civic knowledge, the state has embrac

High school civics assumes a lot. It assumes students already know the three branches, understand federalism, and have a basic grasp of the Bill of Rights. 8th grade is the moment to build that foundation.

When a sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justice writes a children's book about the founding era because civic literacy has collapsed in America, it's time to pay attention. Justice Neil Gorsuch's new book, Heroes of 1776, co-authored with Janie Nitze, was inspired by what he called a "staggering decline" in civic literacy across the country. His message is clear: Americans — young and old — no longer know the documents that define their freedom. That's exactly why The 917 Society e

September 17 is Constitution Day, and this year it lands during America's 250th anniversary celebration. That's not just a date on the calendar it's a once-in-a-generation moment to make constitutional literacy real for your students. If you're a teacher planning your Constitution Day lesson, you're probably asking: How do I make this meaningful? How do I help students actually connect with our founding document? The answer starts with something tangible. Students remember

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, we have an opportunity to ask a simple question: Has the federal government remained faithful to the constitutional principles upon which our Republic was founded? The Constitution created a federal government of limited, enumerated powers. Our Founders did not establish a government to solve every problem or fund every worthy cause. They created a government accountable to the people, restrained by the Constitution, and limite

America just celebrated its 250th birthday. And something unexpected happened: the nation remembered that civics matters. This past week, while fireworks lit up the sky over America, a different kind of spark ignited across the country. The Trump Administration launched the America 250 Civics Education Coalition. Education Secretary Linda McMahon crowned the first-ever Presidential 1776 Award winner a homeschooled 17-year-old from Wyoming named Miriam Washut who beat out tho

This year is not a normal year. In 2026, the United States turns 250. The semiquincentennial is one of the most significant civic moments in a generation — and for educators teaching 8th-grade civics, it is one of the greatest opportunities you will ever have in a classroom.

On this extraordinary Fourth of July, we're celebrating 250 years of freedom and the timeless document that protects it. This fall, the 917 Society will place our 250th Anniversary Edition pocket Constitution into the hands of 8th graders across all 50 states. Because the best way to honor America's birthday is to pass the torch. Happy Independence Day! #America250 #HappyFourthofJuly #ConstitutionDay #917Society #PocketConstitution #CivicEducation" Twitter/X: #Happy 250

Tomorrow, America turns 250. Fireworks. Parades. Cookouts. And a brand-new Cato Institute poll that should make every American pause: nearly half of Americans dont know what our 250th anniversary is actually celebrating. Thats a problem and it starts with our students. If the next generation doesnt understand the Constitution, they cant defend it. They cant build on it. And they cant carry it forward. Thats why a pocket constitution book for students isnt just a nice idea

Learn how to get free pocket Constitutions for your 8th grade classroom during America's 250th anniversary — no cost, no strings, shipped directly to your school.

Discover how teachers nationwide are preparing Constitution Day 8th grade programs and how to request free pocket Constitutions for your classroom — no cost, no strings attached.

One of the unexpected blessings of traveling is meeting people whose stories remind you what truly makes America exceptional. Recently, I traveled to Washington, D.C., for the premiere of Young Washington and to attend a meeting with Secretary Linda McMahon at the U.S. Department of Education. As Founder of The 917 Society, I spend much of my time talking about the importance of Constitution education and civic responsibility. Little did I know that one of the most memorable

As America approaches its 250th birthday, civics education is being reborn. Learn how supporting constitutional literacy programs funds free pocket Constitutions for 8th graders nationwide.

The American Enterprise Institute released a major report titled "America at 250: Surveying Change and Continuity on Civic Values." The finding? Americans across demographic groups still embrace many ideals of the American founding — but their actual knowledge of historical milestones is incomplete. As we approach July 4, 2026, and America's 250th anniversary, the gap between what we value and what we understand has never been more visible. This is the moment for America 250

Five rural educators selected for the National Constitution Center's inaugural civics fellowship. Discover why pocket constitution books for students are transforming rural classrooms and how you can support the mission.