State of Montana Newsroom
Montana Student-Teacher Pair Promote Young People’s Continental Congress Participation
Helena, MT — National History Day (NHD) of Montana is actively recruiting student-teacher teams from Montana to participate in the 2026 Young People’s Continental Congress (YPCC), a transformative week-long educational program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The recruitment push comes as Montana Historical Society Teacher Leader Taylor Olsen and student Ella Cooney return from this year’s program with glowing reviews.
In July, NHD partnered with Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia to host 27 student-teacher teams for an intensive study of American history, civics, and the nation’s founding. Among the teams were Olsen, a social studies teacher from Harlowton, and her student Ella, who is participating in History Day this year.
“This experience was by far the most beneficial thing I’ve done as a teacher,” said Olsen. “The trip amplified my desire to serve as a vessel to my students of historical stories that they can remember and pass along.”
Cooney echoed Olsen’s sentiments: “The experience for me has made government class so much easier with the knowledge I gained through speakers and the discussions among other kids and teachers.”
The program offers participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with leading scholars and access rare historical materials from Philadelphia's premier educational institutions. During the 2025 program, students viewed a first draft of the U.S. Constitution at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and participated in discussions with Justin Driver, Robert R. Slaughter Professor of Law and professor of constitutional law at Yale University.
The YPCC program runs July 19-25, 2026, and covers all expenses including flights, hotels, and meals for participants. Participants will collaborate with peers from across the country while exploring how the ideals of America's founding era continue to be debated, discussed, and refined 250 years later.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Teachers: Must teach grades 4-12 in any subject area; school librarians also eligible
- Students: Must be enrolled in 10th or 11th grade during the 2025-2026 school year
- Schools: All types welcome (public, independent, charter, homeschool)
- Team Structure: Teachers may accompany any eligible student they currently teach, or have taught previously
Applications are being accepted until November 14, 2025.
For more information on Young People’s Continental Congress, or to apply for the program, visit: https://nhd.org/en/2025/09/22/ypcc2026/
To learn more about the Montana History Day program, visit nationalhistorydaymt.org, or email nationalhistorydaymt@gmail.com.