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January 2026 E-Newsletter

Founding Forward’s First E-News of 2026!t from Founding Forward!

Happy 2026 from the board and staff of Founding Forward! America’s 250th celebration is going to be a big year for our country, for civic education, and for Founding Forward. Visit our event page and keep following us on social media for updates and 250th-related events!

In this issue:

View photos from recent events!

Lights, camera, action! Founding Forward’s photo booth was a hit at the Union League’s annual New Year’s Day celebration where members welcomed the New Year and kicked off celebrations for America’s 250th. Check out the photos.

https://foundingforward.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=46aff89e73c41b6b87c499525&id=383aa80596&e=a6c0f3abf2Thank you to the 200 donors, supporters, and visitors who honored our country’s Medal of Honor recipients and America’s fallen heroes during our annual Wreaths Across the Grove ceremony on December 13. View photos from the day.

On December 3, donors toasted to the important work of Founding Forward and kicked off the holiday season at this festive celebration featuring special guest speaker and Historian Emeritus, Jim Mundy. We are grateful to our donors for their unwavering support. View photos from the event.

Lincoln Day

Our annual Lincoln Day celebration, held on February 12 at The Union League of Philadelphia, honors the birthday, life, and legacy of one of our greatest leaders, Abraham Lincoln. This event includes a program on Broad Street, luncheon, parade to Independence Hall, and post-program parade reception at the League.

Student Programs for spring and summer 2026

Founding Forward’s student programs are rooted in history and highlight the importance of our country’s founding principles and civic responsibility. Don’t miss these opportunities to give your child, grandchild, niece, or nephew the transformational experience that they can only get through Founding Forward’s immersive programs.

Check out our available programs, held on our 75-acre Valley Forge campus, below!

Spirit of America Youth Leadership
Multiple sessions scheduled February through June
A four-day residential program that helps high school students develop their critical thinking and leadership skills while understanding their responsibilities as citizens. Apply for the date of your choice on our website.

Debate & Leadership Institute
Program date: July 20-24
A five-day overnight debate camp for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students to strengthen their skills and deepen civic knowledge. Hosted and presented in partnership with The Bill of Rights Institute.  Applications are open

Service Learning in Public Policy (SLiPP)
Program date: July 26-31
An advanced leadership development workshop for exceptional high school students also provides a competitive edge in the college admissions process. Applications will open soon.

Civic Explorers Day Camp
Program date: August 3-7
Rising 7th and 8th-grade students will explore history where it happened, learning about the founding principles, improve their leadership skills, and have all the fun that comes with a summer day camp. Applications open soon.

Summer teacher seminars are filling fast

Our 2026 professional development seminar calendar boasts our biggest and most diverse offerings ever. Our first round of acceptance notifications will go out in the first week of March, so educators should pick their topics and apply now. Thanks to our generous donors, Founding Forward covers the costs of lodging, program, historic site visits, and meals.

Coming soon – a new exhibit on The Declaration of Independence

Founding Forward’s next public exhibit – “Crafting Independence: America’s Founding Story” is opening in February! In keeping with America’s 250th theme, this exhibit will focus on the Declaration of Independence. We’ll share more details next month.

2026 speaker program lineup

We’re kicking off our 2026 speaker programs with three thought-provoking topics in January and a look ahead.

https://foundingforward.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=46aff89e73c41b6b87c499525&id=1fe0c183dd&e=a6c0f3abf2More speaker programs are scheduled and can be viewed here. Most programs are live streamed on our YouTube channel starting at 6:30pm.

Help us inspire tomorrow’s leaders

Founding Forward’s work and mission is made possible through voluntary contributions. We need your support to ensure a future rooted in liberty. Please join our efforts to uphold our democratic system of government with your tax-deductible contribution.

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