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Engaging the Future: National Youth Civic Engagement Contests for America's 250th Anniversary

As the United States prepares to commemorate its monumental 250th anniversary, a series of innovative national contests have been introduced to inspire the youth of America to explore the values of democracy. This exciting initiative is a collaboration between More Perfect, Students United News Network (SUNN), and the USA TODAY Network. With a three-part contest series, students across the country will express their visions for the future of American democracy through diverse creative avenues, including writing, art, and performance.

The Contest Series: Igniting Civic Imagination

The contests are geared towards middle and high school students, specifically those in grades 5 through 12. They will engage students through creative expressions that delve into the themes of unity, belonging, and bridging divides. The three primary contests include:

1. Fly Your Flag - Launched on April 6, students are invited to design a flag representing their unique vision of America.
2. Make Your Speech - Set to kick off on September 8, participants will craft and deliver a speech emblematic of presidential addresses.
3. Sing Your Anthem - Launching on December 14, students will compose and perform an original anthem that encapsulates their interpretation of American values.

John Bridgeland, Founder and CEO of More Perfect, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Preparing for America's 250th anniversary is not just about honoring our history, but also about investing in the next generation of civic leaders." By encouraging students to create, reflect, and participate, this project aims to build civic knowledge and foster a sense of agency in the youth, positioning them as the future stewards of democracy.

Contest Details and Timeline

The first contest, Fly Your Flag, commences with submissions due by May 19, 2026. Finalists will be revealed on June 15, 2026, with winners announced on July 1, 2026. A distinguished panel of judges will review the submissions, featuring notable figures such as:

• - Louise Dube, CEO of iCivics
• - Sharon McMahon, known as “America's Government Teacher”
• - Jasmine Jones, Olympian medalist and military member
• - Renowned artist Kadir Nelson

SUNN recognizes the critical need for accessible and engaging ways for students and teachers to effectively engage with democratic principles, especially in an era of heightened polarization and declining civic knowledge. To this end, they will provide comprehensive educational support that includes lesson plans, toolkits, rubrics, and video resources, helping educators seamlessly integrate the contests into their curricula.

Amanda Little, Executive Director of SUNN, stated, “This innovative contest series provides classroom-ready tools that allow students to explore civic identity and democratic values in ways that are relevant and inspiring.”

Supporting Local Participation through the USA TODAY Network

The USA TODAY Network plays a pivotal role in amplifying the contests through a nationwide marketing campaign. This effort will enhance community engagement and feature the work of finalists in various publications, ensuring that student submissions receive the recognition they deserve. Paige Windsor, Senior Director of Local News and lead for USA 250 programming, expressed excitement about the potential impact of the contests, saying, “The 250th anniversary of the United States presents a rare moment to invite young people not just to learn about democracy, but to help imagine its future.”

About the Organizations

More Perfect is an alliance dedicated to revitalizing democracy through civic learning, national service, bridging divides, and ensuring access to trusted news. SUNN, comprising over 150 student newsrooms, focuses on modernizing civics education and empowering youth journalism. The USA TODAY Network is a leading news media publisher in the United States, fostering deep community engagement through a diverse array of digital platforms.

As America embarks on this significant anniversary, these contests not only honor the nation's storied past but also actively shape its future through the voices of its youth. To learn more about the contest series and participate, visit USA TODAY.