FIELDTRIP250 EDUCATOR CONTEST

Contest ends Monday, June 15, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM EST.

Winners announced by Saturday, July 4, 2026.

WIN $25,000 FOR YOUR NEXT FIELD TRIP TO CELEBRATE AMERICA’s 250TH BIRTHDAY

America is turning 250, so it’s the perfect time to make history with your students. Whether you lead a middle school history class, a high school marching band, or scout group, the Semiquincentennial is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to explore our nation’s heritage with your student group. Orange Sky Travel wants to help make it happen.

THE AWARDS

GRAND PRIZE (1 Winner): A grand prize of one $25,000 travel credit for a FieldTrip250 package (see destinations).

TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS (25 Winners): 25 travel credits of $1,000 each for contest runners-up.

CONTEST DETAILS

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Full-time K-12 Educators, Performing Arts directors, Scout Leaders, and College/University Student Group Leaders in the United States.

CONTEST PERIOD: January 15, 2026 – June 15, 2026.

TRAVEL WINDOW: Must travel during the 2026-27 Academic Year (July 4, 2026 thru July 4, 2027)

GROUP REQUIREMENTS: Minimum of 2 days/1 night with at least 25 paying travelers

HOW TO ENTER THE CONTEST

1. APPLY ONLINE: Visit FieldTrip250.com to apply.

2. SHARE YOUR “Why 250”: Choose a destination and submit a short, written statement or a 60-second video (preferred) answering the following question:

What is the one landmark or experience in this city that will leave your students changed forever?

ELIGIBLE DESTINATIONS

Founding Cities: Washington DC • New York City • Boston • Philadelphia • Williamsburg

American Culture:Atlanta • Nashville • Pigeon Forge • Orlando (Space Coast)

National Parks:Yosemite • Grand Canyon • Rocky Mountain • Yellowstone

Military History:Gettysburg • Charleston • Beaufort, SC • Savannah

CONTEST TERMS

FieldTrip250 and the FieldTrip250 Educator Contest are initiatives of Orange Sky Travel LLC and are unaffiliated with America250 or the America’s Field Trip contest. See Official Rules at FieldTrip250.com/rules. All field trips are subject to terms and conditions of Orange Sky Travel.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., 18+, employed by a K-12 school or accredited College or University, or official Troop Leader. Void where prohibited. Ends 6/15/26 at 11:59:59 PM EST. Prizes are travel credits managed by Orange Sky Travel; no cash value. Subject to minimum group size (25) and duration (2 days). Purchasing a FieldTrip250 trip will not increase your chances of winning the FieldTrip250 Educator Contest.

The use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) in an application or automated submission is prohibited. Any submissions determined to have been generated through AI or to have been submitted automatically will be disqualified.

How FieldTrip250 Supports 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 with trip planning through Orange Sky Travel.

  • Resources designed for classroom educators and performing arts directors

  • A national Educator & Director Contest, awarding:

    • A grand prize of one $25,000 travel credit for a FieldTrip250 package

    • 25 travel credits of $1,000 each for contest runners-up

  • 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.