America’s Field Trip essay, art contest now open

Idaho students in third through 12th grades are invited to share their essays and artwork on what America means to them. The America's Field Trip contests offer students a chance to go on field trips to some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks.

The contest is part of the national America250 initiative, which aims to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with programs that inspire Americans nationwide to renew and strengthen our democracy.

Through programs such as America’s Field Trip, students, educators and families have opportunities to reflect on the nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans and look to the future for the next generation and beyond. The non-partisan initiative runs through July 4, 2026.

The America’s Field Trip contest asks students to take an active role in this conversation. Students are divided into three divisions: elementary (third through fifth grades), middle school (sixth through eighth grades) and high school (ninth through 12th grades). They may submit physical and digital artwork or a written essay of up to 500 words.

“I hope that Idaho students will take this opportunity to pause and reflect on what America and being an American means to them,” Superintendent Debbie Critchfield said in a Thursday news release. “Idaho has a lot to offer to this national conversation, and our young people have a chance to make their voices heard with this contest.”

Twenty-five first-place winners from each grade level will receive a three-day, two-night chaperoned trip to a select cultural or historical site. Experiences include a behind-the-scenes tour of the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, a sleepover at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, an exclusive tour of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Virginia, a beyond-the-ropes tour of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia and more. 

Students may submit individually, or educators may submit on behalf of multiple students to streamline full-classroom participation.

Application instructions and materials for both students and teachers are available at america250.org/fieldtrip/application in English and Spanish. The contest submission deadline is April 16, 2025.