America’s Field Trip is a new nationwide scholastic contest from America250 designed to engage school communities in commemorating and celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and provide unique opportunities for students to visit some of the nation’s most iconic cultural landmarks and historic sites. By reflecting on what America means to students, this contest will help foster civic engagement and encourage the next generation to take an active role in their communities, their country, and their future.
Eligibility
The contest is open to all students in grades 3–12 that live in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories.
Criteria
Entries will be judged on clarity of idea, student voice, and presentation. Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM ET on Friday, May 17, 2024.
Prizes
75 first-place awardees and their designated chaperone will be provided free travel, lodging, and access to unforgettable field trip experiences at select historical and cultural sites across the country, and second-place awardees will receive a $500 cash award.
How to Enter
- Respond to the Prompt
- What does America mean to you? Students may respond to this question in a variety of formats depending on their grade level — from art, to essays, poems, and videos. America250 is providing sample lesson plans to assist teachers in integrating the contest into classroom instruction, but students must submit entries individually.
- Upload Your Submission
- Every student under the age of 18 must have a teacher, parent, or legal guardian upload their submission to the application portal. Have more questions? Read the contest FAQs or visit America250.org/FieldTrip.
How Your Organization Can Help Help America250 spread the word about America’s Field Trip by telling your networks about this incredible opportunity. Post on social media using the links below, or leverage the sample newsletter copy on the next page to share with via-email newsletter.
Read more here.