America’s Semiquincentennial: A Field Trip to the Heart of American Identity
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, a momentous occasion known as the U.S. Semiquincentennial, the nation is embarking on a journey of reflection, celebration, and anticipation. This milestone marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a pivotal moment in American history that laid the foundation for a nation founded on ideals of liberty, equality, and self-governance.
America250, a nonpartisan organization spearheading the nationwide commemoration, is committed to ensuring that the voices of young Americans are integral to this grand celebration. Recognizing that the future of the nation rests on the shoulders of its youth, America250 is actively engaging young people in exploring the meaning of America and their role in shaping its destiny.
One of the most exciting initiatives designed to achieve this goal is America’s Field Trip, a contest that invites students from across the country to share their unique perspectives on what America means to them. This contest offers students a chance to express their thoughts and feelings through various creative mediums, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of American history, culture, and values.
The deadline for the 2025 America’s Field Trip contest is rapidly approaching on April 16, and America250 is urging students to seize this opportunity to participate in this transformative experience. Open to students in third through 12th grades, including those who are homeschooled, the contest challenges participants to submit an essay, poem, artwork, or story that answers the profound question: "What does America mean to you?"
The top entries will be rewarded with an unforgettable three-day, two-night journey to some of the nation’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks in the summer of 2025. These destinations include Yellowstone National Park, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Mount Rushmore, and Independence Hall in Philadelphia, each offering a unique glimpse into the American story.
However, these trips are more than just sightseeing excursions. America250 has meticulously crafted these experiences to provide behind-the-scenes access and exclusive opportunities that are not typically available to the general public. Students will have the chance to delve deeper into the history and significance of these landmarks, fostering a more profound connection to their nation’s heritage.
The impact of America’s Field Trip extends beyond the students who participate. Teachers who mentor top-scoring participants also receive recognition for their dedication to fostering civic engagement and creative expression in their students. Cash awards are presented to educators who guide their students through the contest process, with second-place winners receiving a $500 cash prize and teachers of first-place winners in each grade category receiving $1,000.
The transformative power of America’s Field Trip is evident in the experiences of past participants. Jennifer M. from Virginia described her trip as a chance to see the country through new eyes, emphasizing the value of exploring a different part of the nation and gaining a fresh perspective. Sharon T. from Nevada highlighted the significance of bringing young people together through these trips, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity.
Sharon T. noted that, “When the country can feel divided, it’s important to remember the beliefs we share,” Sharon said. “Through the trip, the kids who represent our next generation found common ground and met people from outside of their friend groups and neighborhoods.”
Since its launch in 2024, America’s Field Trip has received thousands of submissions from students across the country, each offering a unique and heartfelt expression of their American experience. For some, this contest serves as an introduction to a larger conversation about the meaning of being an American. For others, it provides an opportunity to travel beyond their hometowns for the first time, stepping into history in a way that is both personal and real.
As the nation counts down the days to its 250th anniversary, the momentum surrounding this milestone is steadily building. People across the country are seeking ways to participate in the celebration, and America’s Field Trip stands out as one of the most meaningful ways for young people to get involved in the national commemoration.
This contest is more than just a chance to win a trip. It’s an opportunity for students to explore their own identities, reflect on the past, and look ahead to the future. The experiences gained through America’s Field Trip can be transformative, inspiring students to become engaged citizens who are committed to shaping a better future for their country.
Rosie Rios, chair of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, emphasized that “America’s 250th anniversary is about more than reflecting on our past,” said Rosie Rios, chair of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. “It’s about honoring the contributions of individuals who built this country, the innovations that put this country on the map and a man on the moon, and imagining what the next 250 years might look like for our children and the generations to come.”
Students, parents, and teachers who are interested in participating in America’s Field Trip are encouraged to start preparing their submissions now. For more details on how to enter and to view past winning entries, visit america250.org/fieldtrip. This is a chance for young people to contribute their voices to a national conversation and to help shape the narrative of America’s future.
The contest ends 5:00 p.m. ET on April 16, 2025. 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.
This opportunity is not just a contest; it’s a call to action for young Americans to engage with their history, explore their identities, and envision the future they want to create. By participating in America’s Field Trip, students can become active contributors to the national conversation and help shape the legacy of the U.S. Semiquincentennial.
