America250
Countdown to America’ s 250th Anniversary:
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Words that Changed the World
America at 250
The Declaration of Independence stands as one of history’s most profound statements on human rights, liberty, and the purpose of government. In 2026, America will celebrate 250 years since its remarkable though imperfect founding as the American experiment in self-government that inspired and united millions and changed the course of world history.
At the Jack Miller Center, we believe it's the perfect occasion to ignite a renaissance of civic education and bring the core principles of the Declaration of Independence back into public conversation.
Join us.
A250 Projects and Opportunities
Teaching America250 Awards
$5,000 Project Grants for Teachers
The Jack Miller Center is proud to announce the Teaching America250 Awards program to recognize innovative, teacher-led projects across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
These awards invite teachers to design compelling projects that engage students with the history of America’s founding and the ideals of the Declaration. Potential projects include field trips, assemblies, clubs, or community art for up to $5,000 in funding. Applications are open now through November 16, 2025, and winners will be announced in January of 2026.
Support for this program was provided by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York.
America250 on Campus
Campus Awards up to $10,000
The Jack Miller Center is proud to sponsor America250 campus programs nationwide, designed to spark campus-wide conversations and deepen engagement with the ideas of the Declaration
These programs, led by JMC scholars, include campus lectures, debates, and discussion groups centered around the Declaration of Independence’s principles.
Civics Innovator Competition
$10,000 Prizes for Innovative Projects
The 2026 National Summit on Civic Education will feature a new competition for innovative projects celebrating America250, and creating an impact that will last for years to come.
Project presentations will take place on the morning of Tuesday, May 19, in a dynamic Shark Tank-style format. The audience will vote for three winners to receive $10,000 prizes.
Applications for the competition are due November 14, 2025.
Old School with Shilo Brooks
A New Podcast from The Free Press
Fewer of us than ever are reading books for pleasure. JMC scholar Shilo Brooks is on a mission to change that. The Jack Miller Center is proud to support Old School— a new podcast from The Free Press about great books and how reading them can make us stronger, better men. The show features intimate conversations with fascinating men—from fitness gurus to philosophers—about the books that shaped their lives.
New episodes out every Thursday!
The National Summit on Civic Education
Words That Changed The World: America at 250
May 18- 19, 2026 Ι Philadelphia, PA
The 2026 National Summit on Civic Education will bring together civic educators, thought leaders, funders, and business and civil society leaders in conversation around the Declaration of Independence—and its extraordinary relevance in American education today.
Summit highlights include a naturalization ceremony for 13 new citizens, a luncheon with columnist Peggy Noonan, a formal dinner with a keynote, and breakout sessions in some of Philadelphia’s most iconic museums and historic sites. You won’t want to miss it!
"America’s 250th birthday would be a fitting goal for building a full-fledged civics movement that can unite left and right, reverse decades of intellectual neglect of America’s civic principles, and help millions of Americans to regain their faith in the country and in our fellow citizens."
– Hans Zeiger, President of the Jack Miller Center
Program Partners and Sponsors
We’re proud to work with partners and funders across the country to bring the pre-partisan principles of the Declaration into our classrooms, culture, and conversations.
If you are interested in joining our America250 efforts, email Thomas Kelly, Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer, at tkelly@gojmc.org.
Civics Magazine
Fall 2025
Civics Magazine features voices across the civic education spectrum that make the case for a new era, one devoted to deeper learning and excellence in teaching.
In the latest issue, we turn to today’s professionals and exemplary citizens to make a new case for civic education—one grounded in experience, not just theory. These conversations are just the beginning. They will continue at the 2026 National Summit for Civic Education in Philadelphia on May 18–19. We hope you’ll join us.
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News
Focus on civics for America’s 250th birthdayJack Miller Center President, Hans Zeiger, prepares us for America's 250th birthday in 2026 by encouraging Americans to rally around civics.