Wireless Wednesday: America250 and a national writing contest

Rick is joined by: Rosie Rios, Chair, America250

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, students in grades 3-12 are invited to enter a national writing and art contest reflecting on what America means to them. A total of 250 students will be awarded behind-the-scenes field trip experiences this summer or a cash prize, nearly double last year’s total.

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This expanded program provides more students the opportunity to visit historic and cultural landmarks across the country. The 125 first-place winners will receive access to an even wider range of destination experiences. Organizers aim to receive entries from all 50 states, D.C., and 5 territories. Students may submit writing and artwork through March 30, 2026.

America250 is the bipartisan organization created by Congress to lead the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, joins Rick to discuss “America’s Field Trip”, how students can apply and the celebrations planned for the 250th Anniversary, the Semiquincentennial.

Topics:

What is America250, and what is it celebrating?

Tell us about the “America’s Field Trip” contest and why it is important.

Rosie Rios was appointed by President Joe Biden as Chair of America250, the United States Congressional Commission planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. She served as the 43rd Treasurer of the United States and was the CEO of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the U.S. Mint, including Fort Knox with oversight over 4,000 employees and a $5 billion budget. She also initiated and led the efforts to place a portrait of a woman on U.S. currency for the first time in over a century. Following her tenure, she was appointed as a Visiting Scholar at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University with a focus on Millennials and Post-Millennials. Her personal passion includes serving as Founder and CEO of EMPOWERMENT 2026, an initiative that facilitates the physical recognition of historical American women in classrooms and public spaces across the country. Rosie is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and was honored as one of USA Today’s Women of the Century. Most recently, Rosie served on the Treasury Transition Team on behalf of President Joe Biden.