In 2026, the United States will mark our Semiquincentennial: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Today’s young people are the leaders, innovators, and thinkers who will shape the next 250 years — and it’s important their voices are heard as we commemorate this historic milestone.
America’s Field Trip is a contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of America’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the opportunity to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.
Students are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?”
America’s Field Trip contest is now closed. Join our mailing list so you don’t miss the next America’s Field Trip contest for the 2025-2026 school year.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest for the 2025-2026 school year will begin in Fall 2025. Check back later this year for exact dates, Official Rules and full details. Void where prohibited.
For the 2024-2025 America’s Field Trip contest, 25 first-place awardees from each grade level category and a chaperone will receive airfare and lodging for a 3-day, 2-night trip to a select historical or cultural site where they will experience one of the following:
Second-place awardees will receive a $500 cash award. The teacher associated with the top scoring student submissions in each grade level category will receive a $1,000 cash award.
Below are some questions and prompts that may be helpful for students to consider as starting points as they prepare their submissions. Students are not expected to specifically address any or all of these questions in their responses.
Additional thought starters for high school students:
DO:
DON’T:
A diverse panel of judges consisting of current and former teachers will consider the submissions based on the following weighted criteria:
A record number of students from across the country submitted inspiring entries, responding to the prompt “What does America mean to you?” for the second year of the America’s Field Trip contest. A panel of current and former educators selected 150 students as awardees, hailing from 45 states and territories.
Educators and school administrators will play an important role in engaging students and school communities in this contest and commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
Students participating in the America’s Field Trip contest will be challenged to think critically about the nation’s journey to becoming a more perfect union, reflecting on the pivotal events and historical figures that have shaped the country.
Together with worldwide ed tech leader Discovery Education, America250 is sharing tools and resources to assist educators in bringing the America’s Field Trip contest to their classrooms. Included is an educator-facing instructional video from Discovery Education designed to help teachers align the contest prompt, “What does America mean to you?” with standards frameworks. Access resources here.
In partnership with
Funding provided by The Bank of New York Mellon Foundation. Custom educational programming for students and teachers developed by Discovery Education.
America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating and celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country. It is spearheaded by the congressionally-appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its nonprofit supporting organization, America250.org, Inc.
America250 is partnering with Discovery Education, the worldwide edtech leader, to develop custom educational programming that helps students deepen their understanding of America’s 250th anniversary and encourages participation in the America’s Field Trip contest with ready-to-use resources and activities for teachers. Access resources here.
Submission requirements differ by grade level.
Trips will be organized by America250 and chaperoned by the recipient’s parent or legal guardian or replacement family member guest (see Official Contest Rules for replacement guest criteria) along with other field trip recipients. First-place awardees will get to express their preference for trips, and final locations will be determined based on a first come, first serve basis, age group, availability, and recipient preference.
Students are required to have one chaperone, which must be a parent or legal guardian or replacement family member guest who must be at least 25 years of age and have full Power of Attorney, including medical, for the duration of the field trip. Additional guests will not be allowed to accompany awardees on field trips. (See Official Contest Rules for more details)
Yes. By submitting an Entry, Submitters (if not the parent/legal guardian of Minor Entrant or Entrant who is of legal age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence) represent and warrant that they have obtained the written permission of the Entrant’s parent/legal guardian to submit an Entry (all Entries include the Entrant’s information and submission). See Official Contest Rules for more details.
Yes. While each student must create their submission individually, educators who receive written permission from each entrant’s parent or legal guardian can submit entries on behalf of multiple students using the application portal’s bulk upload feature. Students must be at the same school and grade level category.
Please email AFTinquiries@manage.america250.org.
Read the official contest rules here