America 250

Reflecting on America's Promise

This year marks 250 years since America’s independence. The past 250 years have been far from perfect. Many of us can agree that we want the next 250 to look different. Now more than ever, we see threats to our democracy and an everchanging world that call upon us to get involved, raise our voices, and answer the question, “Where do we go from here?” 

When we reflect on the founding of our nation, we remember the words that guided it and the things we were promised. 250 years later, we are still working to fulfill that promise. That’s why we are calling on the next generation of leaders in New Jersey to take the reins of what will be our country’s legacy for the next 250 years. 

The following programs invite you to think big and bold, to get involved in your communities, and to engage with our office on what you want to see change in our country. 

We hope you’ll join us in submitting art, essays, bill ideas, videos, and more. To get in touch with questions about these programs, please email america250@kim.senate.gov.

Ought to be a Law!

We are inviting New Jersey high school students to submit a bill to our office. As we reflect on 250 years since America’s independence and where we are as a country now, we invite you to think about the issues that matter to you and the change you want to see. Use our bill template to pinpoint a problem that can be addressed by federal legislation. 

Select students will be invited to share their bill at an event with Senator Kim (details to be provided at a later date) and winners will be notified by our office.

Eligibility 

All students at New Jersey High Schools (Grades 9-12). 

Deadline 

March 1, 2026 

How to Participate 

Download the bill template to draft your proposal. Once completed, please email your proposal to america250@kim.senate.gov with the subject line, “250th Bill Competition – [Participant’s LAST NAME]”.

America's 250th Journey Art Competition

We are inviting New Jersey high school students to participate in an art competition. As we reflect on the past 250 years and think about what we want the next 250 years to entail, use your artistic expression to honor our country’s roots, highlight our progress, or imagine our future. Winning piece(s) will be chosen and displayed in the Senator’s Washington, D.C. office.  

Please follow the guidelines below if participating in this competition. 

Eligibility 

All students at New Jersey High Schools (Grades 9-12). 

Deadline 

March 1, 2026 

How to Participate 

Please follow the guidelines for creating art below. To submit your artwork, email a digital copy of the artwork to america250@kim.senate.gov with the subject line, “250th ART – (Participant’s LAST NAME)”. 

After submitting your artwork, our office will provide an official notice of acceptance, drop-off instructions, and attach a privacy form. The artwork will be judged by an independent panel.

Additional Guidelines 

  • Artwork must be two-dimensional. Accepted mediums are as follows:
    • Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
    • Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (Charcoal and pastel must be fixed.)
    • Collages: must be two dimensional
    • Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints 
    • Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc. 
    • Computer-generated art – AI-generated art is not accepted
    • Photographs 
                • Artwork can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. 
                • If your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must arrive in Washington, D.C., framed. Even when framed, it must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions. No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds. If your artwork is selected, our office will be in touch with additional framing guidelines. 
                • Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement) that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. For more information on copyright laws, we recommend you visit the Scholastic website here. 
                • AI-generated art is not accepted. 
                • Artwork depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature is not allowed. 
                • Artwork must be the creation of a single student. Collaboration is not allowed. 

                250th Celebration Essay Contest

                We are inviting students in NJ, grades 4-8, to participate in an essay contest to reflect on 250 years since America’s founding. Students are encouraged to share their voices via a 300–500-word essay on their vision for the next 250 years of America. The competition will include a winner from two age groups: grades 4-6 and grades 7-8. 

                The writing prompt is as follows: 

                • America is turning 250 years old. As we reflect on the past, it’s also important to look ahead to the future: What kind of country do we want to build? If you could shape the next 250 years, what would YOU focus on? What should our country strive to achieve?

                Our staff will select one winner from each age group, and the winners will be invited to read their essays at an in-person event.

                Eligibility 

                New Jersey students, grades 4-8. 

                Deadline 

                March 1, 2026 

                Instructions 

                Write a 300–500-word essay answering the provided question prompt. Email your essay to america250@kim.senate.gov with the subject line, “250th Essay Competition – Name, Grade, and School)”. 

                Trending Now: Your American Story

                Create an Instagram reel highlighting your culture, heritage, or background to help us celebrate the strength of New Jersey’s diversity. Tag @SenatorAndyKim for a chance to be highlighted on our social media pages.

                High School Press Conference

                Coming Soon 

                We are inviting New Jersey student journalists from high school journalism clubs and newspapers to put their skills to the test and participate in a press conference with Senator Kim. 

                High school journalism clubs and newspapers are invited to email our office at newsroom@kim.senate.gov for more information.

                Promoting Community Service

                Coming Soon 

                Senator Kim believes we need a renewed “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country” moment. For America’s 250th , we will be sharing opportunities to get involved and give back to your community.  

                Be sure to check back for additional information.