CNMI students invited to enter nationwide contest
America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Semiquincentennial, in collaboration with BNY, kicked off the second installment of “America’s Field Trip”—a nationwide scholastic contest where students have the opportunity to earn a special behind-the-scenes experience at iconic American historic, natural, and cultural sites.
Starting last Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 through Wednesday, April 16, 2025, America’s Field Trip invites students in grades 3-12 to submit artwork or a piece of writing to reflect on what America means to them.
Earlier this year, thousands of students from nearly every U.S. state and territory submitted inspiring entries for the inaugural America’s Field Trip contest. During July and August 2024, first-place awardees participated in special field trip experiences at sites such as the Statue of Liberty, Yellowstone National Park, the National Archives, and more. The full list of 2024 awardees and their submissions can be found online at america250.org/fieldtrip/awardees.
Watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wazm_R_tdCQ to learn more about the America’s Field Trip contest, and see some of the incredible places awardees visited this summer.
Next summer, 75 first-place awardees and their designated chaperone will be provided airfare, lodging, and access to an unforgettable field trip experience at one of our nation’s select historical and cultural sites across the country. Second-place awardees will receive a $500 cash award.
Summer 2025 field trip experiences and partners include:
Behind-the-scenes tour of the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and sleepover at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C.
Exclusive visits to two Washington, D.C. institutions: a trip into the National Archives Vault on the National Mall and private tour of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Exclusive tour of Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia and visit to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Storytelling, history, and commemoration under the stars at Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Private tours of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, the International African American Museum, and the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston, South Carolina
Exclusive tours of the Alamo in San Antonio and the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas.
Backstage tour of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio
Beyond the ropes tour of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Guided visit to Angel Island Immigration Station and candlelight tour of Fort Point at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California
Private guided tour of Yellowstone National Park in Montana and Wyoming
Ranger-led hikes and tours of the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado
Private tour of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida
“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity for everyone to share their stories, their thoughts on the past, and their hopes and dreams for the future—especially our young people,” said America250 chair Rosie Rios. “America’s Field Trip is more than just a contest; it’s an investment in our country’s future. When we provide students with special opportunities to explore our nation’s iconic landmarks, we’re not just creating incredible memories; we’re fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history and values. These experiences will inspire the next generation
of leaders to build a stronger, more united America.”
“BNY is excited to continue our partnership with America250 and support this exceptional opportunity for young people to explore the accomplishments and potential of our nation,” said Jayee Koffey, global head of Enterprise Execution and chief corporate affairs officer for BNY.
“Students are the architects of tomorrow and we believe America’s Field Trip will inspire the next generation to continue our nation’s long history of innovation.”
America250 has also partnered with edtech leader Discovery Education to develop customized educational resources including lesson plans and student activities that empower educators to bring America’s 250th anniversary into their classrooms. New for the 2024-2025 school year, an educator-facing instructional video from Discovery Education is designed to help teachers align the contest prompt, “What does America mean to you,” with standards frameworks.
“America’s Field Trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students to step out of the classroom and into the heart of our nation’s history and culture,” said Amy Nakamoto, general manager of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education Experience. “As we approach this important milestone, we are excited to work with America250 and BNY to spark curiosity and bring this national contest to life for students nationwide.”
How to participate in America’s Field Trip
Students must develop their submissions individually and must have a teacher, parent, or legal guardian submit on their behalf. Students at each grade level will respond to the question, “What does America mean to you?” Students, families, and teachers can find more information, including resources, contest rules, release forms, and toolkit materials to integrate the contest into classroom activities at america250.org/FieldTrip.
The contest has different submission requirements for each grade band and is available to any student in elementary school (third to fifth grade), middle school (sixth to eighth grade), and high school (ninth to twelfth grade). The contest begins accepting submissions today, Sept. 16, 2024, and will remain open until 11:59pm on April 16, 2025. First- and second-place award recipients will be announced in May 2025, and field trips will occur in July and August 2025. Educators can help spread the word about America’s Field Trip for the chance to win a cash award!
The educator associated with the top-scoring entry in each grade band will each receive a $1,000 cash award. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest begins 12am ET on Sept. 16, 2024 and ends 5pm 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 the 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. (PR)
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