America’s Field Trip: A contest for students on what America means to them

America 250 is hosting a contest called America’s Field Trip, where students all across the country can share their vision of America—and win an unforgettable, free field trip to iconic U.S. landmarks this summer. 

Seventy-five first-place winners will receive a three-day, two-night trip this summer to a landmark of their choosing—destinations like Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—including behind-the-scenes experiences not available to the public. Local experiences include a tour of where the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were both signed, and an up-close look at the crack in the Liberty Bell.

The chair of the America 250 contest, Rosie Rios and past winner, Molly, joined us in the PHL17 studio to talk to us more about the contest, how to enter, and what the experience was like.

According to their website, “In 2026, the United States will mark our Semi quincentennial: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 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 contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of America’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the opportunity 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?” Submissions will be accepted until Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET.”

Watch to learn more!