This is a nation-wide contest that invites students across the country in grades 3 – 12 to be part of America’s 250th by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them – with the chance to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks. Students submit writing or original artwork in response to the question, “What does America mean to you?” Two hundred fifty students will be awarded a special behind-the-scenes field trip experience this summer or a cash prize.
Elementary School (3rd to 5th grade) – May submit artwork, including physical art through s high-res photo, or a short, written response (up to 100 words).
Middle School (6th to 8th grade) – May submit artwork, including physical art through a high-res photo, or a short, written response (up to 250 words).
High School (9th to 12 grade) – May submit artwork, including physical art through a high-res photo, or a short, written response (up to 500 words).
125 second-place awardees will receive a $500 cash award. The teacher associated with the top scoring student submission in each grade level will receive a $1,000 cash award.
Contest ends at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on March 30, 2026
Contest flyer at https://manage.america250.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Americas-Field-Trip-2025-2026-Contest-Flyer.pdf
Contest rules at https://america250.org/fieldtrip/rules/
Teacher Resource at https://america250.org/fieldtrip/teacher-resources/
For a list of field trip locations go to https://america250.org/fieldtrip/field-trip-destinations-2026/
Student Resources – Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
Have fun, be creative Share your unique American story and that of your family or community Talk to teachers, parents and friends for ideas Think about the next 250 years – your submission can look to the future as well as the past Adhere to the submission guidelines and word count limit for your grade level
Don’ts
Include your full name, address, e-mail address, phone number, age, or school name in your entry Submit work that you did not personally create on your own. Do not use AI tools. Develop an entry as a group or team – each entry must be from one student Include names or images of family members or friends Include any copyrighted materials in your entry. This includes celebrity names, sports teams, song lyrics written by others, photos, brand names or logos. Do not plagiarize or use another person’s work.