America250
CIEE is proud to be a supporting partner of America250, the national nonpartisan organization Congress charged to lead celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Since 1947, CIEE has advanced peace by building bridges of mutual respect and understanding between America and the world through people-to-people exchange programs. For 80 years, CIEE has helped the world better understand the American people and core American values like democracy, opportunity, free speech, and civic participation, by sending American participants to study, intern, and teach abroad, and supporting international participants who come to America on the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA programs that make our country safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
Throughout 2026, CIEE will spotlight America250 events and projects that inspire national reflection and civic engagement. We will join America250 in celebrating America and America’s tradition of serving our neighbors by increasing our level of volunteering and community impact. And we will collect stories and reflections about what America and American values mean to different people in our interconnected world.
Get Involved!
America Innovates & America’s Startup
Launched at CES 2026, America innovates is showcasing American ingenuity and the innovators shaping our future. Planning is underway for additional summits and activations, including a confirmed Gateway Pavilion event in San Francisco (May 16-18) and a second major Innovates activation currently being finalized in Washington, D.C.
America’s Startup is inviting students from accredited colleges, universities, and trade schools to submit ideas and short pitches with applications open February 15 - March 31. Thirty semifinalists will be announced this spring, with 10 finalist teams selected in early May, each receiving $25,000 in non-dilutive funding.
America Gives
America Gives is quickly becoming the largest volunteer initiative ever with 1.6+ million volunteer hours already tracked. America250 is planning for a major milestone announcement as we approach 2.5 million hours. In addition to logging service hours, America Gives is focused on celebrating the spirit of service with 250 randomly selected participants to receive funding to direct toward charities of their choice. We are looking forward to new moments of recognition and service throughout 2026.
America’s Field Trip
This national education initiative invites students in grades 3–12 to respond to the prompt, “What does America mean to you?” In 2026, the program will expand to award 250 students either a behind-the-scenes field trip experience or a cash prize. There will also be 16 immersive field trip experiences across 13 states and Washington, D.C. Winning submissions are being honored through creative activations, including items selected for inclusion in the America250 Time Capsule.
Our American Story
America250 continues to lead the largest oral history effort in U.S. history through Our American Story. Mobile storytelling units have been activated at CES 2026, the Super Bowl, and across communities nationwide. Our American Story is also being woven into upcoming Walmart-led Block Party activations across select markets, with additional stops being finalized in 2026.
America Waves
America Waves continues to create powerful, symbolic moments of connection nationwide through handheld flags, shared gestures, and national visibility moments. Recent and upcoming activations include the NBA All-Star Rising Stars (February), PGA Championship (March), Artemis II Launch (April), and Walmart Block Parties (May). Other activations include a traveling flag to honor how the Stars and Stripes have presided over America’s rich past, present, and future.
Happy 250th Anniversary America!
America250 is supporting a series of national moments and commemorations, particularly around July 4, 2026, that will bring Americans together at scale through celebrations, performances, reflections, and civic engagements. These moments are designed to complement local and state-led efforts while providing a shared national framework for participation.
Wednesday, July 1
Medora, North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library American Frontier Celebration and Broadcast Special
Thursday, July 2
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Proposed Special Congressional Session and America250 Time Capsule
Friday, July 3
New York, New York
Times Square Ball Drop
Saturday, July 4
Nationwide
America’s Ultimate Block Party: Nationwide (with America’s Performance in California)
Sunday, July 5
Nationwide
America’s Day of Reflection
Reflecting on the Values that Connect us at Home and Strengthen Our Relationships Around the World
Throughout the commemorative period, CIEE will explore what America means to different people, inviting reflections and stories from international participants visiting America and from high school and college students representing America abroad.
My American Internship: Lorna O. of Colombia
Living in Miami while doing my internship in the United States has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life.
My first month in the U.S.
My American adventure began in New York City where the orientations took place. It was an amazing experience and I met awesome people there. We visited Times Square, Central Park... keep reading
My School in U.S.A!
Let’s get to know how U.S. school be like! I’m junior or 11th grader. My school name is Lee High School, there are about 1,500 students in my school, including... keep reading
About America250
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation.
America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.