Students Recognized for Reflections on "What America Means to You" as America250 Builds Momentum through Values-Based Programs

As the school year ends and the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, America250 today announced the 2026 America's Field Trip awardees, recognizing 250 students from across the country for their original reflections on "What does America mean to you?"

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Artwork by Cheyenne P., 11th Grade, Pembroke, Kentucky.

America250 is the only national, nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to help lead the celebration and commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Its mission is to engage all 350 million Americans through national programming, major events, partnerships and public participation opportunities.

America's Field Trip is a nationwide student contest that invites students in grades 3–12 to share what America means to them through original writing or artwork, expressing their perspectives on the country's history, promise, complexity and future. First-place awardees receive unforgettable field trip experiences at iconic American historical, cultural and natural landmarks, such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Yellowstone National Park, and the Smithsonian Sleepover at the American History Museum.

"America's Field Trip gives students a national platform to reflect on our country in their own words, through their own creativity and from the communities they call home," said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. "As we prepare to commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary, these students remind us that America's story is something each generation helps shape. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and give first-place awardees the chance to experience the people, places and ideas that have helped define our country."

America's Field Trip has been building momentum over three contest years as one of America250's signature education programs, advancing the organization's mission to educate, engage and unite Americans in the lead-up to the 250th anniversary. Since its 2024 pilot program, the nationwide student contest has received more than 20,000 entries, including more than 10,000 submissions this year alone. With this year's class, America250 will have recognized 550 young people through America's Field Trip, including 275 first-place winners receiving once-in-a-lifetime trips and 275 second-place winners receiving cash prizes. Entrants represented all 50 states, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.

A panel of current and former educators selected the 2026 honorees, the largest class of awardees yet: 250 students representing 46 states and U.S. territories. This includes 125 first-place awardees (41 elementary school students, 42 middle school students and 42 high school students) who will travel to one of 16 once-in-a-lifetime field trip experiences. An additional 125 second-place awardees (42 elementary school students, 42 middle school students and 41 high school students) will receive a $500 cash award and America250 gear. Students earned this special recognition through their creative reflections on the nation.

First-place awardees will participate in trips across 12 states and Washington, D.C., July 10-August 16, 2026. The Semiquincentennial itineraries feature several new experiences created for this milestone year along with returning favorites from previous contests, including:

Alabama: Immersive Revolutionary War experience at the American Village and a special guided tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Atlanta, Georgia: Visit the Coca-Cola Company's headquarters, Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
Boston: Go behind-the-scenes at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum and learn all about Boston's Revolutionary War landmarks — from Bunker Hill to Dorchester Heights and the Boston Harbor
Charleston, South Carolina: Private tours of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, the International African American Museum, and the South Carolina Aquarium
Dallas, Texas: Exclusive guided visit to the all-new National Medal of Honor Museum, plus a VIP experience at the George W. Bush Presidential Center and Library
Florida: Private guided tour and meet a retired astronaut at Kennedy Space Center
Montana and Wyoming: Exclusive guided journey through Yellowstone National Park
New Orleans, Louisiana: A captivating adventure through history, culture, and cuisine
New York City: Exclusive visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, walking tour of historic Lower Manhattan, and a performance of HAMILTON
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Beyond the ropes tour of Independence National Historical Park and the Philadelphia Mint
San Francisco, California: Guided visit to Angel Island Immigration Station and candlelight tour of Fort Point beneath the Golden Gate Bridge
South Dakota and North Dakota: Storytelling, history, and commemoration under the stars at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, and an adventure through the Badlands of North Dakota exploring the presidential legacy of Theodore Roosevelt
Washington, D.C.: Exclusive visits to two iconic Washington, DC, institutions: a special tour of the White House and a trip inside the vault of the National Archives on the National Mall
Washington, D.C.: Behind the scenes tour of the brand new National Geographic Museum of Exploration and Smithsonian Sleepover at American History Museum
Virginia: Exclusive curator-led experiences at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC and George Washington's Mount Vernon

The 2025-2026 contest was made possible through the support of Founding Sponsor BNY.

"We are proud to celebrate the 2026 America's Field Trip awardees and the creativity, curiosity, and optimism they bring to this historic moment," said Jayee Koffey, Chief Global Affairs Officer, BNY. "As America prepares to mark 250 years, these students represent the next generation of leaders, storytellers, and changemakers. BNY is honored to support a program that helps young people connect with the history, landmarks, and values that continue to define our nation."

For a full list of awardees and a selection of winning submissions, please visit america250.org/fieldtrip/awardees.

America250 Drives Momentum from Sea to Shining Sea

With just over one month until July 4, 2026, America250 continues to build nationwide participation and its strongest momentum yet through values-based programming focused on service, storytelling, education, innovation, culture and community engagement. Across its programs, America250 is creating opportunities for Americans to learn, participate and share their stories as part of a national commemoration designed to build long before and endure long after the fireworks, including:

9 million service hours recorded through America Gives.
73,000 flags distributed through America Waves.
25 states (and counting!) visited by the Our American Story mobile recording studio.
30 college student finalists competed in America's Startup.
Multiple artists signed for America's Soundtrack.
More than 20,000 entries and 550 awardees over three contest years for America's Field Trip.
418 members in the Congressional America250 Caucus, making it the largest bipartisan, bicameral caucus in U.S. history.

These programs are designed to engage Americans from every part of the country and create a legacy that extends beyond July 4, 2026.

About America250

America250 is the national nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in celebrating and commemorating the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is spearheaded by the congressionally-appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its sole-supporting nonprofit organization, America250.org, Inc., together known as America250. This multi-year effort kicked off with America's Invitation on July 4, 2023: a national public engagement campaign inviting all Americans to share their stories and their hopes and dreams for the future of this country. Leading up to July 4, 2026, America250 is working to provide opportunities for all Americans to pause and reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look to the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. To learn more, visit America250.org, and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

About America's Field Trip

America's Field Trip Contest is a creative opportunity for students in grades 3-12 to reflect on what America means to them through original artwork or written responses. The contest encourages students from across the U.S. and its territories to share their vision of America's values, history, and future.

About BNY

BNY is a global financial services platforms company at the heart of the world's capital markets. For more than 240 years BNY has partnered alongside clients, using its expertise and platforms to help them operate more efficiently and accelerate growth. Today BNY serves over 90% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly all the top 100 banks globally. BNY supports governments in funding local projects and works with over 90% of the top 100 pension plans to safeguard investments for millions of individuals. As of March 31, 2026, BNY oversees $59.4 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration and $2.1 trillion in assets under management.

BNY is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BNY). Headquartered in New York City, BNY has been named among Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies and Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators. Additional information is available on www.bny.com. Follow on LinkedIn or visit the BNY Newsroom for the latest company news.

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America250 Announces 2026 America's Field Trip Awardees: Celebrating 250 Students In The Nation's 250th Year