America250 Awards 250 Students with Field Trips to Historic Sites Ahead of Nation’s 250th Anniversary
Event summary
- America250 announced 250 student awardees for its 2026 America’s Field Trip contest, marking the largest class yet.
- 125 first-place winners will receive field trips to iconic U.S. landmarks, while 125 second-place winners receive $500 cash prizes.
- The contest has garnered over 20,000 entries since its 2024 pilot, with this year’s class representing 46 states and U.S. territories.
- Field trips will take place across 12 states and Washington, D.C., from July 10 to August 16, 2026.
- BNY, the Founding Sponsor, highlights the program’s role in fostering the next generation of leaders.
The big picture
America250’s America’s Field Trip contest is part of a broader strategy to engage the public in the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The program aligns with the organization’s mission to educate and unite Americans through storytelling and experiential learning. With over 20,000 entries since its inception, the contest underscores the growing interest in participatory national commemoration efforts.
What we're watching
- Program Scalability
- Whether America250 can sustain the momentum of its education initiatives beyond the 250th anniversary.
- Corporate Sponsorship
- The role of BNY and other sponsors in funding future iterations of the contest.
- National Engagement
- The pace at which America250 expands its reach to include more states and territories in future contests.