America 250 Essay Contest

america 250 essay contest

Congressman Tom Kean, Jr., invites students who reside in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District to participate in an essay contest to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The contest is open to all students in grades 3-6 who reside in the district. The winning essays will be framed and hung in Congressman Kean’s New Jersey and Washington, DC offices and featured on the Congressman’s official website. 

Using their own words, students are encouraged to creatively honor this upcoming milestone in America’s history by writing an essay that responds to the following prompt:

America’s Story Begins at Home:  History isn’t just in textbooks—it’s in our own backyards. What role did your New Jersey hometown play in shaping the nation? Whether it’s a pioneering person, a historic landmark, or a pivotal local event, tell the story of how your hometown helped shape the future of America.

  • Grades 3 & 4:  Essay should be no longer than 150 words
  • Grades 5 & 6:  Essay should be no longer than 300 words

Deadline is Friday, May 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Submission Guidelines: 

  • All essays must be the student’s original creation, not copied or AI generated.
  • If possible, the essay should be typed. If handwritten, it must be legible and on lined paper.
  • Include a title at the top of the essay but do not provide student information on the essay. All student/identifying information will be included on an Entry Form to be completed by a parent or guardian.
  • Email the essay and the completed and signed ENTRY FORM as PDFs.

Congressman Kean looks forward to reading the essays about New Jersey’s contributions to the history of our great nation through the voices of our young residents.

Office Locations

Washington D.C. Office

Washington, D.C. Office251 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515, United States(202) 225-5361

Lebanon District Office

Lebanon Borough District Office100 Corporate Drive, Suite 106 Lebanon, NJ 08833, United States908-547-3307Please direct all U.S. Mail to the Lebanon Borough District Office.Please call our Lebanon Borough District Office if you need assistance with a federal agency.

Hopatcong Satellite Office

Hopatcong Satellite Office111 River Styx RoadHopatcong, NJ 07843, United StatesFirst Monday of Every Month, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PMPlease note: Regional Satellite Office Hours are hosted by Congressman Kean’s casework staff.Please direct all U.S. Mail to the Lebanon Borough District Office.

 

Budd Lake Satellite Office

Mount Olive Satellite Office204 Flanders-Drakestown RoadBudd Lake, NJ 07828, United StatesFirst Tuesday of Every Month, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PMPlease note: Regional Satellite Office Hours are hosted by Congressman Kean's casework staff.Please direct all U.S. Mail to the Lebanon Borough District Office.

 

Washington Borough Satellite Office

Washington Borough Satellite Office100 Belvidere AvenueWashington, NJ 07882, United StatesFirst Wednesday of Every Month, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PMPlease note: Regional Satellite Office Hours are hosted by Congressman Kean’s casework staff.Please direct all U.S. Mail to the Lebanon Borough District Office.

 

Bridgewater Satellite Office

Bridgewater Satellite OfficeBridgewater Township Municipal Building100 Commons Way, Conference Room 102A-BBridgewater, NJ 08807, United StatesFirst Thursday of Every Month, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PMPlease note: Regional Satellite Office ours are hosted by Congressman Kean's casework staff.Please direct all U.S. Mail to the Lebanon Borough District Office.

Clark Satellite Office

Clark Satellite OfficeClark Township Municipal Building430 Westfield Ave, Room 30 (History Room)Clark, NJ 07066, United StatesFirst Friday of Every Month, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PMPlease note: Regional Satellite Office Hours are hosted by Congressman Kean’s casework staff.Please direct all U.S. Mail to the Lebanon Borough District Office.