To celebrate the U.S. Semiquincentennial and help renew our commitment to civic engagement, a middle school field trip program, high school essay competition, and community college engagement series will provide unique educational opportunities for Marylanders.
Field Trip Program
Where History Lives: Field Trip Program
The goal of this program is to help middle school students connect with Maryland’s rich and complex history through firsthand experiences that bring learning to life. Funding may be used to support transportation and admission costs for eligible field trips.
As part of Maryland’s 250th anniversary commemoration, the MD Two Fifty Commission, in partnership with Maryland Humanities, is pleased to offer funding to support to elementary (grade K-5) and middle (grade 6-8) school field trips to museums, historic sites, and parks across the state.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, subject to available funding. Approved schools or organizations will receive funds directly and will be required to submit a brief post-trip report, including reflections following their visit.
Additional questions about the program may be directed to Emily Ross by emailing eross@mdhumanities.org.
Essay Contest Program
Envision Maryland: A Statewide High School Essay Competition
As Maryland marks its 250th anniversary, we are calling on the next generation to add their voices to this milestone moment by describing the future chapter of our state’s story and sharing their vision for Maryland’s future in 50 years.
Themes to Consider: Students may address any aspect of Maryland’s future, including but not limited to: community and belonging, environmental sustainability, innovation and economy, education, culture and identity, democracy and civic engagement, transportation and infrastructure, public health, or arts and culture.
Competition Details:
- Eligibility: High school students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
- Essay Length: Maximum 300 words
- Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026
- Awards:
- MD Two Fifty will recognize outstanding student visions for Maryland’s future. $75 awards will be presented to one winner in each grade (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th), in each Maryland county and Baltimore city.
- Statewide prizes for first, second and third place winners will be awarded $300, $200, and $100. Statewide honorable mentions (up to 3) will receive recognition and certificates.
- All winning essays will be published on MD Two Fifty and Maryland Humanities websites and featured in various communications.
Additional questions about the program may be directed to Emily Ross by emailing eross@mdhumanities.org.
Become an Essay Contest Reviewer:
MD Two Fifty, in partnership with Maryland Humanities, is seeking reviewers for the Envision Maryland: MD Two Fifty Essay Contest, a statewide contest inviting Maryland high school students to imagine the state 50 years from now and share their vision for its future.
Reviewers will evaluate approximately 25 student essays using an established rubric and complete their evaluations by the assigned deadline. Reviewers will receive a $100 stipend for their participation.
Interested in helping recognize the next generation of Maryland writers? Educators, writers, humanities professionals, community members, and others who enjoy reading and evaluating student writing are encouraged to apply.
Student Civic Forums
MD Two Fifty Student Civic Forums: A Community College Civic Engagement Series
Through this initiative, we will host four activities across Maryland college and community college campuses, bringing local, county, and state officials into direct conversation with the students who will one day lead and shape these very institutions. Students will have multiple ways to engage: they can sign up to serve as moderators, submit questions, or attend as active participants. The aim is to showcase the importance of civic participation so that students can see themselves being part of the decision making process.
Call for Contributions to Panel
The 2026 Community College Humanities Association (CCHA) National Conference takes place from Thursday, October 1 to Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the CCBC Owings Mills campus. The core theme for this interdisciplinary event is Being Human in a World on Fire. It asks: What does it mean to be human, and stay human, in a world where everything feels like it’s on fire? We are living through a moment of transition, and the humanities are needed now more than ever to imagine what is possible. You can learn more about the conference here.
This year, Maryland Humanities, in partnership with the Maryland 250 Commission, is proud to introduce a dedicated civic engagement panel within the conference, as part of its Civics Moonshot: A MD Two Fifty Youth Engagement Initiative. This initiative aims to celebrate the U.S. Semiquincentennial and renew our collective commitment to civic engagement through a middle school field trip program, a high school essay competition, and a community college engagement series, offering unique educational opportunities for Marylanders.
The MD Two Fifty Student Civic Forums: A Community College Civic Engagement Series brings that idea to life through four activities hosted across Maryland’s colleges and community college campuses, creating direct conversations between local, county, and state officials and the students who will one day lead and shape these very institutions. This initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of Marylanders to explore their role in civic life, connecting the state’s founding legacy to the responsibilities and opportunities of today.
We invite proposals for papers, presentations, and creative contributions that engage with the following session themes:
We welcome submissions from:
- Students engaged in civic life, political science, history, or public policy
- Student artists, poets, dancers, and performers exploring themes of democracy, community, and civic identity
Conference Panel Date: October 2, 2026, Owings Mills, Maryland