Bringing 1776 to Life: Harlan Institute Recognized for Revolutionary Civic Education Program  

Imagine debating whether the American colonies should break free from England as the Founding Fathers did in the shadow of the actual Declaration of Independence.  

Some high schoolers didn’t have to imagine, thanks to a grant from the Heritage Foundation. The Harlan Institute was awarded an America’s 250th Innovation Prize, a program supporting creative projects that educate Americans about the nation’s founding principles, strengthen civic understanding, and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.   

The Harlan Institute was recognized for its project titled, “Are These Truths Still Self-Evident? A High School Moot Court Competition Set in 1776.”   

This initiative brought a stylized legal and civic education experience to high school students by simulating a historic moot court. Participants argued both sides of the debate over American independence as if it were 1776, engaging deeply with the Declaration of Independence and foundational constitutional concepts 

Josh Blackman, co-founder and president of the Harlan Institute, highlighted the transformative nature of the program. “The Harlan Institute is dedicated to teaching America’s next generation about our foundational documents.”  

He told the Daily Signal this spring before the final rounds that the grant would help students have a rare, immersive and fascinating educational experience at the home of the Declaration of Independence. “Thanks to The Heritage Foundation’s America’s 250th grant, our students will present arguments about the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives in the presence of the Declaration of Independence. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our students.”  

Indeed, the Harland Institute Championship Round took place on April 7, 2026. The case of Patriots v. Loyalists was presented before a distinguished four-judge panel. As the Harlan Institute described it, “This may have been the first time since 1776 where the pro-Loyalist argument was presented before the Declaration.”  

When the arguments and counter-arguments were over, the Patriots—Lauren Hohlt and Tzur Shalit from Creekview High School in Carrollton, Texas—were judged the winners.  

Furthering Appreciation for the Nation’s Founding 

The $50,000 award from Heritage helped the Harlan Institute expand this competition and further its mission of enhancing civic literacy and appreciation for the nation’s founding laws and documents among the next generation of leaders. 

Other winners from Round Two of the America’s 250th Innovation Prize included: Constituting America, Mountain States Policy Center, the Moving Picture Institute, and Wedgwood Circle. 

Round One winners of the America’s 250th Innovation Prize.

• Creative Studio to Release Video Series for America’s 250th Anniversary 
• Faith Group Wins Innovation Prize for America’s 250th Celebration
• ‘A First of Its Kind’: Bestselling Author Crafts American Fable Collection
• Catholic Nonprofit Develops Resources to Inspire Patriotism
• Virginia Nonprofit Wins Prize to Create US History Documentaries for Nation’s 250th Anniversary