America’s Field Trip Essay and Artwork Contest Asks Idaho Students to Consider What America Means to Them

October 3, 2024 Sandra Kinney # America’s Field Trip Essay and Artwork Contest Asks Idaho Students to Consider What America Means to Them

(BOISE, ID) – Idaho students in grades 3 – 12 are invited to share their perspectives on what America means to them for a chance to join peers for field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks with the America’s Field Trip essay and artwork contest.

The contest is part of the national America250 initiative, which aims to commemorate and celebrate the 250 ^th 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 the chance 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 (grades 3 – 5), middle school (grades 6 – 8) and high school (grades 9 – 12). 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,” said Superintendent Debbie Critchfield. “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 https://america250.org/ fieldtrip/application/ in both English and Spanish. The contest submission deadline is April 16, 2025.

Learn more about America250 in Idaho, including local events, projects and resources at https://america250.idaho.gov/ .

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