Today’s young people are the leaders, innovators, and thinkers who will shape the next 250 years — and it’s important their voices are heard as we commemorate this historic milestone.

America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of our nation’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the chance to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.

Students are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?”

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, America’s Field Trip is expanding with more exciting field trips, and more opportunities for students to win. A total of 250 students will be awarded a special behind-the-scenes field trip experience this summer or a cash prize.

For more information click here!

A collaboration between America250, Library of Congress, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the National Park Service to collect items for a time capsule to be installed at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026.

Our American Story is a storytelling project to collect and preserve our nation’s unique stories. We're on a historic journey to collect the largest archive of American stories ever created.

To learn more or submit a story click here!

This year log your volunteer hours here to get a chance to be one of the 250 lucky winners who get to choose where America250’s $1,000,000 donation goes!

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