8th grade students across the Commonwealth are invited to bring the Declaration of Independence to life through a statewide video competition for the opportunity to win scholarships and other prizes.

BOSTON, MA [April 14, 2026] – In honor of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the We Declare! Challenge invites every 8th grade classroom in Massachusetts to read and celebrate the Declaration of Independence through video storytelling. 

As the birthplace of the American Revolution, Massachusetts is uniquely positioned to celebrate this historic milestone by empowering students to connect with the document that sparked it all. The We Declare! Challenge, sponsored by Fidelity Investments® with support from MA250, calls on Massachusetts 8th grade classrooms to submit short, creative, school-managed videos of students reading from the first two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence. The winning class will receive $2,500 scholarships for each 8th grade student in the submitting class and the opportunity to attend the Boston Pops July 4th Fireworks Spectacular. Every participating class will receive a $100 gift card, with opportunities to win classroom prizes.

“This is a great opportunity for young people to connect with our history and see their role in shaping the future of our democracy,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “I encourage every student to participate, speak up and share their perspective. Engaging with the Declaration isn’t just about understanding the past – it’s about thinking critically about what comes next. When young people use their voices with purpose, it strengthens our democracy for everyone.”

The idea for this statewide student challenge was sparked by Rob Waldron, a longtime education leader and chairman of Curriculum Associates whose career has focused on expanding access, strengthening civic understanding, and improving outcomes for students of all backgrounds. Inspired by the words of famed historian and author David McCullough, “You can’t be a full participant in our democracy if you don’t know our history,” the contest aims to meet young people where they are with a digital video project that calls for creativity to amplify the words that serve as the cornerstone of our country.

iCivics, the nation’s leading civic education nonprofit, is presenting this initiative to help students understand the founding ideas that continue to shape our democracy. Despite history, civics and our founding documents being widely taught, a 2024 survey by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation revealed 70 percent of respondents failed a basic civics literacy quiz.

“The Declaration of Independence is more than a document, it’s a lens for understanding who we are as a nation, and there is no more important time to reflect on the Declaration than during our 250th anniversary,” said Rob Waldron, Founder of the We Declare! Challenge. “Through this challenge, Massachusetts students will engage with our history that connects to our technology-driven society. I look forward to seeing how eighth graders bring their voices, creativity, and excitement to this powerful text.”

A committee of educators and iCivics team members will select ten finalist videos. Once the finalists are selected, a distinguished panel of judges including Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and First Lady Joanna Lydgate, Lee Pelton, President and CEO of The Boston Foundation, General Joseph Dunford, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pedro Martinez, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Keith Lockhart, Conductor of the Boston Pops, and more, will determine the winner and two runners‑up.

“This isn’t just about teaching history – it’s about inviting students into it,” said Louise Dubé, CEO of iCivics. “At iCivics, we believe democracy is strongest when young people understand our history and see themselves as participants in what comes next. Through the We Declare! Challenge, Massachusetts has a chance to lead this moment by giving students a platform to engage with the ideas that shaped our country and continue to guide its future.”

Educators can learn more, access guidelines, and submit videos here. All Massachusetts 8th grade classrooms are encouraged to participate and join this statewide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Prizes include:

Winning Video

• $2,500 to the school
• $1,000 to the submitting teacher
• $2,500 scholarship for each 8th grade student in the submitting class
• A school spirit event and prize presentation
• Planned broadcast of the winning video at the Boston Pops July 4th celebration
• Tickets for the teacher, each student, and one guardian per student to attend the celebration

Two Runners-Up

• $1,500 to each school
• $250 to the submitting teacher
• $250 to the class for materials or a celebration

The submission deadline for all entries is May 15, 2026.