Maryland students in middle and high school have two new ways to take part in the state’s 250th anniversary commemoration, as the MD Two Fifty Commission and Maryland Humanities launched a pair of youth engagement programs this month under the banner “Civics Moonshot.”
The first, “Where History Lives,” offers funding for middle school field trips — for grades 6 through 8 — to museums, historic sites, and parks across Maryland, covering transportation and admission costs. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, subject to available funding, and schools or organizations that receive money must submit a brief post-trip report reflecting on the visit.
The second, “Envision Maryland,” is a statewide essay competition open to high school students. Rather than looking backward, it asks students to look ahead: participants are invited to describe their vision for Maryland’s next 50 years, addressing the changes, opportunities, or values they believe will shape future generations, along with their own personal connection to that future. Submissions are due Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, and student winners will receive awards.
“Our 250th anniversary is an opportunity to ensure that young people see themselves as an important part of our nation’s ongoing story,” said Alexandra Cenatus, director of programs at Maryland Humanities. “Through these field trips and essay contest, Maryland students can explore the people, ideas, and experiences that have shaped our state and our country, while reflecting on what the next 50 or 250 years might look like. We’re excited to partner with MD Two Fifty to create meaningful opportunities for students to engage with history, think critically about our shared civic life, and envision the future they want to help build.”
The two programs are the newest pieces of Civics Moonshot, a broader MD Two Fifty initiative that already includes a mock Second Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention exercise, a civics-focused book club, and a statewide civic challenge, according to the Commission’s own program listings. MD Two Fifty leads Maryland’s official commemoration of the United States Semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of American independence — coordinating statewide programs and partnerships under the Governor’s authorization to mark the milestone.
Schools and families interested in either program can find application forms, recommended field trip sites, essay guidelines, and a scoring rubric on Maryland Humanities’ website. Questions about the programs may be directed to Emily Ross at Maryland Humanities.
