🎉 SUBMISSIONS OPEN February 23, 2026 • Deadline: May 26, 2026
I AM PHL: Campus250 Edition
Your voice. Your story. Philadelphia's next chapter.
America turns 250 in 2026 — and Philadelphia is where it all started.
Every generation has added a piece to this story. Now, it's your turn.
Create something original — a song, poem/spoken word piece, or visual art — that shows how Philly's history connects to YOUR story, your voice, and your future.
Here’s the Timeline
Mark your calendar for these key dates
February
Submissions Open
Contest launches February 23. Create your music, art, or spoken word piece
May
Student Summit
May 2, 2026 at Thomas Jefferson University. Network with peers and mentors
Submission Due
May 26, 2026, 11:59 PM
June
Winners Announced and Winner’s Showcase
Winners announced June 1
Winners showcase mid-end of June (date tbh)
Join Us at The Student Summit
Network with peers, meet mentors, and celebrate creativity
📅 May 2, 2026
📍 Thomas Jefferson University
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
EVENT STARTS IN:
Free for all Philadelphia high school students
Pick Your Prompt
Choose ONE. Create something only YOU could make.
"250 Years Later, I Declare…"
If you could add your own paragraph to the Declaration of Independence, what would it say?
"Founding 2.0: Our History, My Future"
Show how Philly's history connects to what you're building—your education, creativity, identity, career, or community impact.
"From Then to Now: Philly's Change-Makers"
Every generation has had people who refused to accept injustice and worked to change things—through art, activism, education, or innovation. Who from Philly's past inspires how YOU want to create change?
Win an Additional $1,000
The Challenge: Imagine you win an additional $1,000. How would you invest this money to support your future—your education, artistic talents, or financial foundation? Be creative and specific about how this prize could make a lasting impact on your journey.
Format: Written response, 500 words or less
Can be submitted in addition to your main creative entry
🤝 Sponsorship available • Contact IAMPHL@philaedfund.org
How to Enter
Three simple steps
Pick Your Format
Music (2-4 mins)
Spoken Word (1-3 mins)
Visual Art (any medium)
Create Your Piece
Respond to ONE prompt.
Make it original.
Make it YOU.
Submit Online
Click the button below to submit your work through our online form.
Submissions open February 23, 2026
Who Can Enter?
All Philadelphia high school students • Work individually • Must be original
Deadline: April 24, 2026 at 11:59 PM
What You Can Win
Cash prizes, mentorship, and your work featured as part of Philly’s America250 story
Cash Prizes
Top winners receive cash awards to support your creative journey or education.
Perform at Events
Showcase your work at citywide events and Philadelphia's America250 celebration.
Paid Content Opportunities
Get hired for Campus250 campaign content creation—build your portfolio and get paid.
Mentorship & Portfolio Support
Work with Philly artists, Jefferson University, and media partners. Support for college applications.
I AM PHL Winners Showcase
Watch their stories, hear their voices, see their art
2025 Winners
Alumni Spotlight: Where Winners Go
Real opportunities. Real performances. Real paychecks.
By the Numbers: 2025 Impact
For Teachers, Counselors & Parents
Help your students participate—we’ve made it easy
Educator Toolkit
Lesson plans, prompt discussion guides, rubrics, and classroom activities to help students brainstorm and create.
Download ToolkitPromotional Materials
Ready-to-send emails, social media graphics, flyers, and announcement templates to share with students.
Get Materials📅 Host an Info Session at Your School
Want the I AM PHL team to come to your school? We'll present to students, answer questions, and help them get started.
Request a School Visit →Quick Questions
Can I submit both a creative piece AND the bonus essay?
Yes! Submit one creative entry (music/art/spoken word) plus the bonus written response.
Can I work with a team?
No, all entries must be individual work.
Do I need to be a professional artist?
Not at all! We're looking for authentic voices and original ideas.
When is the deadline?
Submissions open February 23, 2026. Deadline: May 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Sponsor I AM PHL Campus250
Connect your brand to Philadelphia's creative future during America's 250th anniversary.
What You Get
Available Now
Contact: Emmanuel Sofolawe | IAMPHL@philaedfund.org
Partner
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