About FieldTrip250

America’s 250th birthday is a once-in-a-generation milestone. FieldTrip250 is a national initiative empowering educators to lead their students to experience the ultimate journey in person through our nation’s past, present, and future.

From July 2026 through July 2027, our goal is to help 25,000 students visit historic destinations across the country through meaningful, overnight educational and performance-based field trips.

We believe some lessons — and performances — can’t be experienced from a textbook or classroom alone. Standing where history happened, engaging with culture firsthand, performing on national stages, and experiencing the scale and diversity of our country can change how students see the world — and their place in it.

Who’s Behind FieldTrip250

FieldTrip250 is led by Orange Sky Travel, a student travel company with decades of experience helping educators and performing arts directors plan safe, educational, and unforgettable group travel.

While FieldTrip250 has its own identity, mission, and public presence, Orange Sky Travel serves as the exclusive travel provider for all FieldTrip250 experiences. This structure allows the initiative to focus on inspiration, access, and impact — while experienced professionals handle the logistics of both educational and performance-based student travel.

FieldTrip250 is an independent, purpose-driven initiative powered by Orange Sky Travel. While separate from the federal America250 commission, we have built this movement specifically to meet this unique moment in history—providing the specialized logistics, safety infrastructure, and dedicated support required to help educators, directors, and students make the most of America’s 250th anniversary.

Finalist submissions for the national Educator & Director Contest are reviewed by an independent, third-party panel that includes a range of educational professionals. Orange Sky Travel does not participate in judging or selecting winners.

How We Support Educators & Directors

To help remove barriers to student travel, FieldTrip250 offers:

  • Recommended sample itineraries to 17 eligible destinations, including DC, NYC, Boston, Charleston, and several national parks

  • Resources designed for classroom educators and performing arts directors

  • A national Educator & Director Contest, awarding:

    • One field trip valued at $25,000

    • 25 grants of $1,000 for additional educators and directors

  • Transparent progress tracking toward our shared goal of 25,000 students

Every FieldTrip250 trip is planned with and provided by Orange Sky Travel, and meets clear criteria focused on educational purpose, performance opportunities, safety, and student experience.

A Shared Goal

FieldTrip250 exists to rally educators, performing arts directors, schools, and communities around a simple idea:

America’s 250th year should be experienced, not just observed.

We invite educators and directors to be part of this moment — and to help students create memories, performances, and connections that will last far beyond the trip itself.