You can watch the Presidential 1776 Award live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 30, with the ceremony available on Paramount+ the following day. This first-of-its-kind civics contest, created to mark America's 250th birthday, hands out a $250,000 scholarship pool to top students, with a single grand-prize winner earning a $150,000 scholarship.
When and where to watch
The main event airs live on network television, then moves to streaming the next day. Here is the quick rundown:
- US broadcast: CBS, live at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 30.
- Streaming: Paramount+ the following day; subscribers with the Premium tier may be able to stream live.
- Live TV streaming: services that carry CBS can be used to watch the broadcast without a traditional cable box.
If you only have Paramount+ Essential, you may need to wait for the on-demand drop rather than watching live. Premium subscribers get access to live TV feeds, which is the tier that lets you watch on the night. For more streaming guidance, browse our reviews and guides.
Paramount+ pricing and options
If you plan to stream the ceremony, the platform offers two tiers at different price points:
- Essential: $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year.
- Premium: $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year, which includes live TV access.
Live-TV streaming services that include CBS are another route if you do not have cable. Whichever option you pick, the key distinction is live versus next-day: only the higher tiers and live-TV routes get you the broadcast in real time.
What the Presidential 1776 Award actually is
The award is a new civics competition launched to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America's founding in 1776. The US Department of Education introduced it in December 2025, framing it as the first of its kind and tying it to the nation's founding-era ideals.
The prize pool totals $250,000, one thousand dollars for every year America has existed, with the top winner receiving a $150,000 grand prize and $25,000 available to other notable participants. The department describes the award as recognizing excellence in American founding history and rewarding merit-based achievement.
How students qualify
Winning is not simply about showing up. Participants must demonstrate strong knowledge of official study materials focused on America's founding era, the Constitution and foundational documents.
The qualifying process runs through a demanding test and multiple rounds of competition:
- A 90-minute, three-session multiple-choice qualifying test, completed in one sitting with no notes or aids.
- State-level competitions for top performers in each region.
- National-level rounds leading to the National Finals, which is the portion broadcast on television.
That structure means the students appearing on CBS have already advanced through a rigorous, tiered selection process. You can find more coverage of major broadcasts and streaming events in our latest news.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is the Presidential 1776 Award on?
It airs live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 30, and becomes available on Paramount+ the following day.
How big is the prize?
The total scholarship pool is $250,000, with a $150,000 grand prize for the top winner and $25,000 available to other notable participants.
How do students qualify for the award?
They must master official study materials on America's founding era, pass a 90-minute multiple-choice qualifying test, and advance through state and national competitions to reach the finals.
