America 250 Contest

Celebrating 250 Years

What America Means to Me

Your Voice. Your Vision. Our Future.

Join the 2026 Semiquincentennial celebration! We are awarding scholarships to Utah students who can bridge the gap between our nation’s founding documents and their lives today. To enter, Utah students will submit either an original essay or a piece of visual art that connects the principles of the Declaration of Independence or the U.S. Constitution to your life today.

Coming Soon!

Apply Now Here: ENGLISH Version

Apply Now Here: SPANISH Version 

Contest Overview

    • Who: Utah students in grades 5, 8, and 9–12.
    • Awards: 
      • 6 Grand Prize Winners: $1,000 Scholarship each.
    • One Essay Winner and one Artwork Winner from each level (5th, 8th, and High School).
    • Grand Prize winners will be invited to the Utah State Capitol to be recognized and, for essayists, to publicly read their work.
    • 130 Finalists: $250 Scholarship each.
      • Awarded to outstanding entries across all grade levels and categories.

Important Dates:

    • Notification: Winners will be notified in June 2026.
    • Celebration Events: July 2026 at the Utah State Capitol.

The Prompts

Choose one way to share your story: a Written Essay or Visual Artwork.

Grade Level

Word Limit

The Prompt

5th Grade

100 Words

The Declaration of Independence talks about "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." What do those words mean to you? Tell us a story or give an example of how one of those ideas influences what America means to you today.

8th Grade

250 Words

Pick one principle from the Declaration or Constitution (like equality, rights, or liberty). How does this principle shape your answer to the question: What does America mean to you today?

High School

500 Words

The founding documents strive for a "more perfect union." Based on the principles found in these texts, how do they influence your personal purpose and what America means to you today?

Submission Requirements

    • Format: One entry per student (Essay or Art).
    • Essay: Submit as a PDF or type directly into the online form.
    • Artwork: Digital file (PDF, JPG, PNG, or HEIC) not exceeding 30MB.
    • Permission: Students under 18 must have parent/guardian consent.

How You'll Be Judged

For Essays

    • 60% Student Voice: Is your perspective unique, authentic, and passionate? Does it move the reader?
    • 40% Clarity of Ideas: Do you clearly connect the founding principles to your life? Is the writing polished and organized?

For Artwork

    • 50% Student Voice: Does the art reflect your unique perspective and passion for the theme?
    • 25% Clarity of Idea: Does the piece clearly communicate a story or emotion related to the prompt?
    • 25% Presentation: Is the execution effective, creative, and memorable? 

Go National: One Entry, Twice the Opportunity!

Your story doesn't have to stop at the state line. Because our contest celebrates the U.S. Semiquincentennial (America250), your essay or artwork may also be eligible for the  National America250 contest.

Why apply to both?

    • Double the Impact: Share your vision of America with both your local community and the entire nation.
    • More Scholarship Opportunities: National contests often have their own prize pools and unique awards.
    • National Recognition: Imagine representing Utah on a national stage in 2026!