THEME

America's story is not told through one voice. It is told through millions of voices, experiences, traditions, and perspectives that together create the American story. This year, as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, students are invited to explore the meaning of "We the People" by interviewing someone whose life experiences, career, generation, culture, or background may be different from their own. Through listening and learning, students will discover how diverse voices contribute to the American spirit.
 
 

CATEGORIES & ELIGIBILTY

STUDENTS: 60-Second Video Interview

1. U.S. students enrolled in Grades 6-8 and between the ages of 11-13 as of Sept. 1, 2026.
2. U.S. students enrolled in Grades 9-12 and between the ages of 14-18 as of Sept. 1, 2026.

TEACHERS: Most Contest Entries From Their Class

1. U.S. teachers of Grades 6-8 as of Sept. 1, 2026.
2. U.S. teachers of Grades 9-12 as of Sept. 1, 2026.

Participants in the 30 Seconds. One Nation. Your Voice. contest are not eligible to enter the We the People contest.

 

DETAILS

Create a 60-second video interview featuring a fellow American.

Video must include the interview question: What does it mean to be part of 'We the People'?

Interview someone whose experiences differ from your own. This could include:

• Veterans
• Teachers
• Farmers
• First Responders
• Nurses
• Grandparents
• Immigrants
• Community Volunteers
• Small Business Owners
• Military Members
• Coaches
• Civic Leaders
• Neighbors
• Other individuals who represent the American spirit

Your interview should highlight how their experiences contribute to the story of America.

Reflection Component: In addition to the video submission, students must submit a brief written reflection (150-250 words).

Reflection prompt: "What did you learn from this interview, and how did it shape or broaden your understanding of the American experience?"

Students could explain:

• Why they selected their interview subject?
• What surprised them?
• What they learned?
• How the interview changed or reinforced their understanding of America and "We the People"?
• Student introduction encouraged?
   
   

ADDITIONAL RULES & GUIDELINES

• Maximum Length: 60 Seconds
• Format: MP4 or MOV, with a shareable link from YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, or Dropbox. We must be able to download and share the file.
• Content must be original and created by the student(s). No AI content allowed. No copyrighted music, film clips, or photos are allowed.
• No profanity, hate speech, or violent content. Must be “Rated G.”
• An entry may be submitted in only one category.
• Anyone shown in the video must have given permission to be filmed and included on the entry form.
• All entrants and submissions give The Eisenhower Foundation, IKEducation, Kansas250, and/or America250 the right to be used for promotional purposes.
• Submissions for minors must be made on the students’ behalf by a parent/legal guardian, or by a teacher with parental permissions.
• No submissions without all the proper permissions will be considered.