A total of 125 2026 America’s Field Trip awardees received first-place field-trip experiences.
America’s Field Trip was designed as a national student contest for grades 3 through 12. Students submitted original essays and artwork addressing what America means to them. In the 2026 semiquincentennial edition, 250 students were recognized overall, with half of them receiving first-place honors.
The 125 first-place awardees were promised educational trips to iconic historic, cultural, and natural landmarks. These experiences connected the contest’s creative work with place-based learning, allowing students to explore locations tied to American history and culture.
The remaining 125 students were second-place awardees and received cash prizes instead. The two groups together formed the 250-student awardee class. The number 125 therefore refers specifically to the first-place group, not to all winners and not to the number of contest entries.