The United States will turn 250 years old on July 4, 2026. As part of the celebrations, a group called America250 is holding a special contest for students in grades 3-12. The winners will get to go on a “field trip” to one of several historical sites across the US.
It’s been a long time since America declared its independence on July 4, 1776. Next year, the US will mark its 250th birthday with some big celebrations. America250 is the group officially in charge of organizing these events. And it wants to make sure that young people across the US are included.
(Source: America250.)
So America250 is holding a special contest for students in the US in grades 3 through 12. The contest is called “America’s Field Trip”, and it will give winners a chance to visit different historical sites across the country.
To enter, students simply need to creatively answer the question: “What does America mean to you?” Students can create a written response, such as an essay. But artwork is also accepted and encouraged.
(Source: America250.)
The contest is meant to encourage students to consider what America really means to them. Winners will get a chance to learn more about American history and to make friends with students from around the country.
Rosie Rios, who leads America250, says, “America’s Field Trip is a fun and meaningful way for students all over the country to think about what it means to be part of America’s story.” Ms. Rios, whose parents came to the US from Mexico, knows something about becoming part of America’s story. She grew up to become the 43rd Treasurer of the United States.
(Source: America250.)
The contest is judged at three different levels: Elementary School (3-5), Middle School (6-8), and High School (9-12). America250 says it has already gotten entries from each of the 50 states.
“First Prize” winners at each level will win a special three-day trip to one of America’s most famous landmarks, such as Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, or Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
(Source: America250.)
There are 14 different “field trips” in all, including more recent American history, such as a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or to see “Hamilton” in New York City. The trips will include behind-the-scenes tours and chances to see things that most people never get to see.
Last year, America250 ran a similar contest, and students from across the US took part. The students who won field trips seemed to love their experiences – not just for the places they saw, but for what they learned, and the people they met. Camdyn, an 11th-grader said, “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I’d recommend for anyone who wants to learn more about our country.”
(Source: America250.)
“This program isn’t just about winning a field trip,” Ms. Rios says. “It’s about helping students connect with our history and imagine the kind of future they want to help create.”
Did You Know…?
The special word for a 250-year celebration is “semiquincentennial”. A “quincentennial” marks 500 years since something has happened, Since “semi” means half, “semiquincentennial” basically means “half of a 500-year celebration”.
More Info
The deadline for the contest is April 16, 2025. The contest is open to all students, grades 3-12, who are legal residents of the 50 US states or its territories. This includes home-schooled students.
There will be 25 First Prize winners at each grade level. Each grade level will also have 25 Second Prize winners, who will win $500. All entries must be submitted by an adult, such as a parent or a teacher. The very best entry at each grade level will also earn a $1,000 prize for the student’s teacher.
More details and suggestions can be found on the America250 website.