America250 Kicks Off Expanded "America's Field Trip" Student Contest with More Award Recipients and Behind-the-Scenes Experiences to Celebrate the Nation's 250th
Supported by BNY, First-Place Awardees Will Receive a Once-in-a-Lifetime Field Trip to Iconic Historical and Cultural Landmarks, Including the White House, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, and More
Students Can Submit Writing and Artwork Until March 30, 2026
America250, the bipartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, is kicking off its nationwide student contest, "America's Field Trip," for the 2025-2026 school year. Now in its third year, America's Field Trip is expanding significantly as part of the lead-up to the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026.
America's Field Trip invites students in grades 3–12 from across the United States to answer the question, "What does America mean to you?" through original writing or artwork. For the first time, a total of 250 awardees will be selected—nearly double the 150 prizes awarded in the previous contest—giving even more students the opportunity to experience unforgettable field trips to some of the country's most iconic historic and cultural landmarks this summer. The 125 first-place awardees will enjoy an expanded slate of destinations, with several new and exciting sites added for 2026.
Each first-place awardee will select one of the following specially-curated experiences:
- 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
- Exclusive guided journey through Yellowstone National Park in Montana and Wyoming
- Exclusive visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, walking tour of historic Lower Manhattan, and a performance and opportunity to meet the company of HAMILTON in New York City
- 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
- Beyond the ropes tour of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- 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 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
- The full list and descriptions of 2026 Field Trips are available here.
"This is the moment we've been building toward," said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. "As we approach the nation's 250th birthday, America's Field Trip offers students not just a way to reflect on our country's history—but to be part of it. Expanding the contest to 250 award recipients makes that opportunity real for even more young people across the country."
The 2025-2026 edition of the program will recognize 125 second-place awardees with a $500 cash award. The previous contest drew thousands of submissions from students in all 50 states, D.C., and five U.S. territories. One parent who accompanied their 11th grade student on a trip to Texas last summer shared, "[It] gave us the chance to see history come alive and connect with the values that shape our nation."
America250 has partnered with Discovery Education, the creator of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world, to engage students in the 250th anniversary of the United States. Together, America250 and Discovery Education are providing teachers with free toolkits, lesson plans, and classroom resources in both English and Spanish that integrate the contest into the classroom. BNY returns as the program's founding partner, helping power student access to the country's most inspiring historical experiences.
"America's Field Trip is about learning and connection for students across the country," said Jayee Koffey, Chief Enablement & Global Affairs Officer, BNY. "BNY is proud to continue our support of this growing program and help make these transformative experiences possible for young people, as our nation celebrates this historic 250th birthday milestone."
How to Participate in America's Field Trip
Students must create their submissions independently, with entries submitted by a teacher, parent, or legal guardian. Each grade level will respond to the same question: "What does America mean to you?"
Students, families, and educators can find submission guidelines, contest rules, FAQs, and classroom resources at america250.org/FieldTrip.
The contest has different submission requirements for each grade band and is available to any student in elementary school (third to fifth grade), middle school (sixth to eighth grade), and high school (ninth to twelfth grade). The contest begins accepting submissions on October 15, 2025 and will remain open until 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET on March 30, 2026. First- and second-place award recipients will be announced in May 2026, and field trips will occur in July and August 2026.
Educators are also encouraged to help spread the word. The three teachers associated with the top-scoring student entries in each grade band will each receive a $1,000 cash award in recognition of their support.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest ends 5:00 p.m. 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 the 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.
About America250
America250's mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America's Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.
About BNY
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