America 250: Students in grades K–8 invited to enter Bookmark Design Challenge

Students in grades K-8 across the country are invited to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States by entering the Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating America’s 250th.

In partnership with The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Second Lady Usha Vance is encouraging students in grades K–8 to design an original bookmark celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. 

What they’re saying:

“The Bookmark Design Challenge invites students to reflect on our shared history and begin imagining our future as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary,” said Second Lady Usha Vance. “I hope the winning bookmarks will inspire kids to pick up a book and learn something new about our country as part of my Summer Reading Challenge!”  

What you can do:

The Bookmark Design Challenge encourages young artists to create an original, hand-drawn bookmark depicting what America means to them. Designs may explore themes such as American history and traditions, symbols of unity and democracy, creativity and innovation, ideas of community, or hopes for the nation’s future. Students are invited to interpret the theme freely and creatively using artistic materials of their choosing. 

Who can enter the Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating America’s 250th?

This Bookmark Design Challenge is open to students across the nation’s 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories.  Students are encouraged to create an original, hand-drawn bookmark depicting what America means to them. 

Second Lady Usha Vance will select three national winners from each of the following categories:

• K–2
• Grades 3–5
• Grades 6–8

HOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 4: Second Lady Usha Vance chats with school children as Ms. Vance promotes her Summer Reading Challenge at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. (Kirk Sides/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

What will the winners of the Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating America’s 250th receive?

The winning designs will be featured during commemorative activities celebrating America’s 250th anniversary this year, such as the Great American State Fair, the Second Lady’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, and other Office of the Second Lady and NEA events. 

Each winning student, accompanied by a parent or guardian, will also be invited to Washington, DC, in summer 2026 to participate in a series of celebratory events.  

How do you enter the Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary? 

To enter, designs must be submitted at arts.gov/bookmarks before Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. 

Questions about the Bookmark Design Challenge may be directed to [email protected].