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Usha Vance launches bookmark design contest for America 250
Challenge invites K–8 students nationwide to submit hand-drawn designs.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 19, Feb 2026
- 16:23 EST
- 20
Usha Vance/ Bookmark Design Challenge / Wikipedia/ arts.gov
U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance has announced a nationwide bookmark design challenge to mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Launched in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the ‘Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating America’s 250th’ invites students in grades K–8 to create an original, hand-drawn bookmark reflecting what America means to them.
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Participants are encouraged to explore themes such as American history and traditions, symbols of unity and democracy, creativity and innovation, community, and hopes for the nation’s future.
“The Bookmark Design Challenge invites students to reflect on our shared history and begin imagining our future as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary,” Vance said. “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!”
The competition is open to students across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. Three national winners will be selected, one from each category: K–2, grades 3–5, and grades 6–8.
“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, the National Endowment for the Arts is proud to invite young people to reflect on what our country means to them through creativity,” said Mary Anne Carter, chair of the NEA.
“It is an honor to work with the Office of the Second Lady to celebrate the imagination and curiosity of our nation’s students while highlighting the vital role the arts play in helping us understand our history, our communities, and our shared future.”
Winning designs will be featured during official commemorative activities in 2026, including the Great American State Fair and the Second Lady’s Summer Reading Challenge, along with other events organized by the Office of the Second Lady and the NEA.
Each winner will also be invited to Washington, DC, with a parent or guardian, to attend a day of events at the Great American State Fair, scheduled from June 25 through July 10.
Applications must be submitted through the NEA’s website by March 31, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Additional details, including full guidelines and frequently asked questions, are available on the NEA website.
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