In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, several agencies and organizations have launched contests and opportunities for students to highlight the rich history of our country and inspire patriotism in youth.

The American Heroes Student Art Contest, sponsored by Freedom 250 and the National Endowment for the Humanities, is open to students in grades 3-12 with the goal of inspiring historical reflection and creativity. Students can create an original 2D artwork inspired by the 250 historic figures that will be honored in the upcoming National Garden of American Heroes. The organizers of the contest have prepared a brief description of all 250 heroes, along with a description of the American art movements, to inspire those interested in entering the contest. This information about the heroes and art could also be used in classroom activities and lessons. There will be 168 first-place winners (covering all 56 states and territories) who will be awarded a travel allowance to visit Washington, D.C., for an award ceremony during the Great American State Fair, which will be held on the National Mall this summer. The deadline for submission of entries is May 1, 2026. For more information about the contest, guidelines, the Heroes list, and art movements, please visit here.

 A Bookmark Design Challenge, sponsored by the Office of the Second Lady and the National Endowment for the Arts, is open to K-8th grade students nationwide. Students wishing to participate can submit a hand-drawn bookmark illustrating what America means to them. The bookmarks could describe “history or heritage, important moments or people, cultural traditions, hopes for the future, symbols of unity and democracy, ideas of community, creativity and innovation.” Three winners will be selected by the Second Lady Usha Vance from grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Winners will have their bookmarks printed and also distributed at the Great American State Fair this summer, and they will be invited to attend along with a parent or guardian. The deadline for submission of entries is March 31, 2026. For more information, please visit the Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating America’s 250th. 

The White House and Hillsdale College have partnered to create “The Story of America,” a series of brief videos highlighting important aspects of the founding of the United States. Each video focuses on a specific part of the beginning of America, including the Declaration of Independence, political and military leaders, the faith of our fathers, important battles, the Culpeper spy ring, and often unsung heroes of the American Revolution. These videos could provide an important resource and supplement to educational lessons.