December 15, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) announced today that the U.S. Department of Education has launched the Presidential 1776 Award, a nationwide competition open to all states and territories designed to strengthen knowledge of civics, history, and the principles that founded our nation, as part of the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The Presidential 1776 Award is open to students in grades 9 through 12, ages 14 to 19, including those residing in Puerto Rico. The competition will take place in three rounds, beginning with an online multiple-choice examination, followed by in-person regional semifinals, and culminating in a national final in Washington, D.C., in June 2026.

“This competition represents an extraordinary opportunity for our youth on the Island to develop a deep understanding of democracy, the Constitution, and the values that shaped our nation,” said Gabriella Boffelli, Executive Director of PRFAA. “At PRFAA, we strongly encourage Puerto Rican students to participate and to represent our Island with pride on a national stage that celebrates knowledge, academic excellence, and civic leadership.”

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon underscored the educational impact of the initiative: “What better way to excite our students to learn more about our nation’s deep and rich history than through a friendly competition that challenges them to demonstrate their knowledge of America’s founding ideals? As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, this competition gives young people the opportunity to push themselves, learn our history, and take pride in the principles that unite us. I am grateful to the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation and to all the educators, partners, and families who make this effort possible. Let the games begin!”

The competition will officially launch on December 15, 2025, with a registration period from February 1 to February 21, 2026. The first round will take place from February 22 to February 28, 2026, through a timed online exam on civics and foundational history. The four highest-scoring students from each state and territory will advance to the regional semifinals, where Puerto Rico will compete within the Southern Region. National finalists will participate in an in-person competition in Washington, D.C.

The three national winners will receive academic scholarships of $150,000, $75,000, and $25,000, respectively, and will be recognized as part of the official Semiquincentennial events in 2026.

PRFAA reaffirms its commitment to strengthening education and encourages students, educators, and families in Puerto Rico to learn more about and participate in this historic initiative that promotes knowledge, critical thinking, and democratic engagement among the next generation.