America250, the official nonpartisan organization created by Congress to plan the nation’s Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, has launched America’s Field Trip, a nationwide contest for students in grades 3 through 12.
The initiative invites young people across the country to reflect on what America means to them, with a chance to earn an unforgettable field trip to one of 16 historic or cultural landmarks, including Mount Rushmore, the National Archives Museum, the Kennedy Space Center, and Yellowstone National Park.
A total of 125 first-place winners, along with one chaperone each, will receive a fully funded educational excursion to a selected American site. The three-day, two-night trips will take place in July and August 2026.
Another 125 second-place honorees will receive a $500 monetary award, and three educators will be recognized with $1,000 each. All awardees will be notified in late April 2026.
Students must respond individually to the prompt “What does America mean to you?” through either artwork or a written submission. Acceptable formats include physical artwork (uploaded as a high-resolution photo), digital artwork, or written responses. All work must be created independently; group submissions are not allowed.
For students under 18, entries must be submitted by a teacher, parent, or legal guardian using the official application portal at America250.org/FieldTrip/Application. Teachers submitting on behalf of a student must obtain written permission from a parent or guardian, which may be provided via email, text message, or the official permission-slip form.
Entries will be judged by a panel of current and former educators using the following criteria: Student Voice (50%), Clarity of Idea (25%), and Presentation (25%).
Key dates:
• Entry deadline: Monday, March 30, 2026, by 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET
• Notification of awardees: Late April 2026
• Field trips: July and August 2026
Full contest details, official rules, and resources—including submission guidelines, classroom activities, and Spanish-language materials—are available at America250.org/FieldTrip.
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