In 2026, The United States will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In honor of this historic event, the America 250 committee has created a contest named America’s Field Trip.
It invites students across the US in grades 3-12 to participate by sharing artwork, videos, and essays, on their perspectives answering the question “What does America mean to you”. This contest will select first and second-place awardees from each grade level. Grade levels will be Elementary (3rd to 5th Grade), Middle School (6th to 8th Grade), and High School (9th to 12 Grade). Elementary students essays written responses up to 100 words, middle school essays written responses up to 250 words, and high school essays written responses up to 500 words.
First-place awardees and a chaperone from each grade level will receive airfare and lodging for a 3-day, 2-night trip to a select historical or cultural site. Second-place awardees will receive a $500 cash award, and any teacher associated with the top scoring students’ submissions in each grade level category will receive a $1,000 cash award.
Permission slips are required if teachers are submitting entries on student’s behalf, but parents or legal guardians may also submit their child’s entry online. Teachers can submit one or multiple entries at a time.
All applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. ET on 04/16/2025. I have placed links below and attachment to help assist you further.
Last year, of the thousands of applicants only two students frow South Carolina were selected. I would really love to have a student from our area to win for the 2024 – 2025 award cycle.
America’s Field Trip
https://america250.org/fieldtrip/
Field Trip Destinations
https://america250.org/fieldtrip/all-fieldtrips/
America’s Field Trip Contest Application Submission
https://america250.org/fieldtrip/application/
Teacher Resource Materials
https://america250.org/fieldtrip/teacher-resources/
America’s Field Trip Official
https://america250.org/fieldtrip/rules/
Additional Questions
AFTinquiries@america250.org
America250-WeThePeople-HS-FINAL
America250-Activity-WhatAmericaMeanstoMe[82]
America250-AmericasFuture-ES-FINAL
