Exploring What America Means to You: America's Field Trip Contest 2025

Exploring What America Means to You: America's Field Trip Contest 2025

The America’s Field Trip Contest invites students from grades 3 to 12 across the United States to reflect on a meaningful question: “What does America mean to you?” In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, this nationwide contest gives students a chance to share their perspectives through creative work—and possibly earn a once-in-a-lifetime trip to one of America's most iconic cultural landmarks.
Whether through an essay, a hand-drawn piece submitted as a digital image, or a digital illustration, students can submit their entries by April 16, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Student Voice (50%)
  
• Clarity of Idea (25%)
  
• Presentation (25%)
  

Winners will be selected from each grade level. First-place winners will receive a fully funded, 3-day field trip for themselves and a chaperone to destinations such as the Smithsonian National Zoo, Kennedy Space Center, or Yellowstone National Park. Second-place winners will receive a $500 cash award.
Eligibility: Open to legal U.S. residents in grades 3–12 (excluding prior 2024 winners). Submissions must be uploaded by a parent, teacher, or legal guardian through the contest portal at America250.org/FieldTrip/Application.
This contest not only encourages creativity, but also invites students to engage with national identity and culture in a deeply personal way. It's an opportunity for youth voices to be heard and celebrated.
For more information, visit America250.org/FieldTrip

https://america250.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Americas-Field-Trip-2025-Contest-Flyer.pdf

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How to Prepare for the America’s Field Trip Contest: A Guide for Parents and Students
The America’s Field Trip Contest is more than just a drawing or writing competition. Sponsored by America250, it encourages students in grades 3–12 to express what America means to them. The winners receive an unforgettable opportunity: an all-expense-paid field trip to an iconic U.S. landmark such as the Smithsonian National Zoo, Yellowstone National Park, or the Kennedy Space Center.
Here’s how parents and students can effectively prepare and participate:

1. Understand the Theme: "What does America mean to you?"This isn’t about generic symbols like flags or eagles. Instead, students should explore what America means personally—whether it's freedom, family history, diversity, a favorite place, or an experience that shaped their view of the country.
Tip: Have a conversation with your child. Ask them questions like, “What do you love about where we live?” or “What’s your favorite memory in America?”

2. Start with Brainstorming and SketchesBefore jumping into the final project, students should brainstorm ideas and sketch out a rough plan. A story map or drawing draft can help them clarify what they want to express.
Ask:

• Who or what is the subject of your piece?
• What moment or scene do you want to share?
• What message do you want the viewer or reader to take away?

3. Create a Strong Final WorkWhether it's a written essay, painting, or digital illustration, make sure the final piece is neat, complete, and clearly presents the student’s unique perspective. Take time to revise and improve the first version.
If submitting artwork, ensure it’s scanned or photographed clearly, with no shadows or wrinkles.

4. Understand the Judging CriteriaJudges will score based on:

• Clarity of Idea (25%) – Is the concept clear?
• Student Voice (50%) – Does the student’s perspective stand out?
• Presentation (25%) – Is the work polished and thoughtfully presented?

Review the entry with your child using these three questions.

5. Prepare for SubmissionAll submissions must be entered by a parent, teacher, or legal guardian through the official portal by April 16, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET. You’ll need:

• The final artwork or essay
• Student’s and parent’s information
• A high-resolution file of the work

Remember, the contest is open to U.S. residents in grades 3–12, and only one entry per student is allowed.

Why This Contest MattersThis isn’t just about winning a trip. It’s a chance for young people to reflect deeply on their experiences, to strengthen their voice, and to share their unique stories with the country. It encourages critical thinking, storytelling, empathy, and pride in identity.

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Important Notice About Submitting for This Contest

Please be aware of a very important detail when uploading entries for this contest. The warning message states that once you submit, you cannot make edits. However, in reality, even just uploading a student’s work (without clicking submit) will lock the entry and make it uneditable.
That means as soon as a student’s work is added, you will not be able to change or fix anything afterward.
Please double-check everything carefully before uploading. You will not be able to correct it later!