Ready to Share What America Means to You?
Once you finish responding to the prompt, you must have a teacher, parent, or legal guardian upload your submission for consideration.
America’sField Trip
The Contest
What does America mean to you?
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 nationwide contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of our nation’s 250th anniversary 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 are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?”
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, America’s Field Trip is expanding with more exciting field trips, and more opportunities for students to win. A total of 250 students will be awarded a special behind-the-scenes field trip experience this summer or a cash prize.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest ends 5:00 pm PT/8:00 p.m. ET on 3/30/26. Open to U.S. students (3rd – 12th grade); student’s parent/legal guardian or teacher with parental permission must submit Entry on student’s behalf (unless student is age of majority). Submission includes grant of license rights to Entry’s Content. First Prize awardees must travel with parent/legal guardian on designated dates. See Official Rules for full details including how to enter, eligibility requirements, prize description/restrictions and judging procedure. Void where prohibited.
The Field Trips
Extraordinary Experiences at Iconic American Landmarks
Each of the 125 first-place awardees and their chaperone will receive airfare and lodging for a three-day, two-night trip at select historical or cultural sites where they will experience one of the following:
- Explore the all-new National Medal of Honor Museum, plus a VIP experience at the George W. Bush Presidential Center and Library in Dallas, Texas
- A captivating adventure through history, culture, and cuisine in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Visit the Coca-Cola Company’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia
- Private guided tour and meet a retired astronaut at Kennedy Space Center in Florida
- Exclusive visits to two iconic Washington, DC, institutions: a special tour of the White House and a trip inside the vault of the National Archives on the National Mall
- Storytelling, history, and commemoration under the stars at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota
- Behind the scenes tour of the brand new National Geographic Museum of Exploration and Smithsonian Sleepover at American History in Washington, DC
- Exclusive guided journey through Yellowstone National Park in Montana and Wyoming*
- Discover Boston’s Revolutionary War landmarks — from Bunker Hill to Dorchester Heights and the Boston Harbor
- Private tours of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, the International African American Museum, and the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston, South Carolina
- Exclusive visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, walking tour of historic Lower Manhattan, and a performance of HAMILTON in New York City
- Beyond the ropes tour of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Guided visit to Angel Island Immigration Station and candlelight tour of Fort Point beneath the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California
- Exclusive curator-led experiences at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC and George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia
- Immersive Revolutionary War experience at the American Village in Alabama
*This field trip will be offered twice.
A total of 125 second-place awardees will receive a $500 cash award. The teacher associated with the top scoring student submission in each grade level category will receive a $1,000 cash award.
Resources for Applicants
Do’s
- DO have fun, be creative, and let your individuality shine!
- DO share your unique American story and that of your family or community.
- DO talk to teachers, parents, and friends for ideas.
- DO think about the next 250 years — your submission can look to the future as well as reflect on the past.
- DO adhere to submission guidelines and word count limit for your grade level.
Don’ts
- DON’T include your full name, address, e-mail address, phone number, age, or school name in your entry.
- DON’T submit work that you didn’t personally create on your own. DO NOT USE AI TOOLS.
- DON’T develop an entry as a group or team — each entry must be from one student.
- DON’T include names or images of family members or friends.
- DON’T 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.
Submission Guidelines
- Elementary School (3rd to 5th Grade):
Students may submit artwork, including physical art through a high-res photo, or a short written response (up to 100 words).
- Middle School (6th to 8th Grade):
Students may submit artwork, including physical art through a high-res photo, or a written response (up to 250 words).
- High School (9th to 12th Grade):
Students may submit artwork, including physical art through a high-res photo, or a written response (up to 500 words).
Judging Criteria
A diverse panel of judges consisting of current and former educators will review and score submissions based on the following weighted criteria:
Student Voice – 50%
- Demonstrates an authentic point of view that reflects the entrant’s unique perspective
- Expresses passion and individuality in a way that feels genuine
- Highlights experiences that showcase what makes America unique
Clarity of Idea – 25%
- Connects personal and academic experiences to the contest question
- Communicates ideas, emotions, or stories effectively (through words, visuals, or both)
- Acknowledges America’s past or celebrates its achievements and future possibilities
- Offers fresh insight and innovative thinking
Presentation – 25%
- Engages the audience and creates impact
- Uses a compelling, creative, or memorable approach
- Shows organization and polish that strengthen the overall message
- Effective execution and clear format
Resources for Educators
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 this country.
America250 has partnered with worldwide ed tech leader Discovery Education to provide teachers with customized toolkits, lesson plans, and classroom resources in both English and Spanish that integrate the contest prompt into standards frameworks.
In partnership with:
Funding provided by The Bank of New York Mellon Foundation. Custom educational programming for students and teachers developed by Discovery Education.
2025 Awardees
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.