01/15/2026
AMERICA America's
250 America's Field Trip Field Tip
America's Field Trip is a nationwide student contest sponsored by America250, the official
nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the nation's Semiquincentennial, also known as
the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. America's Field Trip invites
students in grades 3-12 to be part of this historic milestone by sharing their perspectives on what
America means to them – with the chance to earn a once-in-a-lifetime field trip experience at one of
16 different iconic American landmarks or cultural sites, including Mount Rushmore, the National
Archives Museum, Kennedy Space Center, and Yellowstone National Park–just to name a few.
Visit America250.org/FieldTrip/Rules for Official Contest Rules.
* Deadline: Monday, March 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT/8:00 p.m. ET.
Eligibility: Any student in grades 3-12 who is a legal resident of any of the 50 states, the District of
Columbia, or the five U.S. territories is eligible to enter. First- and second-prize awardees from the
previous two America's Field Trip contests are not eligible to enter or win.
* Submission Requirements: Students at each grade level may create artwork, including physical
artwork submitted through a high-res photo, a digital drawing, or a written response.
* Judging Criteria: A panel of current and former educators will evaluate submissions based on Student
Voice (50%), Clarity of ldea (25%), and Presentation (25%).
Prizes: NEW! 125 first-place awardees and their designated chaperone will receive travel and lodging for
a three-day, two-night trip to a select historical or cultural site in July and August 2026. 125 second-place
awardees will receive $500 cash awards and three educators will each earn $1,000. Award recipients will
be notified in late April 2026.
How to Enter the Contest
Students at each grade level will respond to the prompt, "What does America mean to you?" with artwork
or writing. Students must develop submissions individually and may not enter as a group.
Students under the age of 18 are required to have a teacher, parent, or legal guardian submit their entry
through the application portal at America250.org/FieldTrip/Application. A teacher may only submit an entry
on behalf of a student with written permission from that student's parent or legal guardian. Written
permission may be granted via email correspondence, text, or using the permission slip template.
For more information about America's Field Trip, including official contest rules, 2026 field trip locations, judging
criteria, submission thought starters, classroom activities, and Spanish-language resources, please visit
America250.org/Field Trip or scan the QR code.
Visit America250.0rg/FieldTrip or
scan the QR code to learn more.
America's Field Trip is a multi-year contest for students in grades 3-12 to submit artwork and essays for the chance to earn unique experiences at iconic American sites.
