AI & America 250 Contest: “America in 2076”

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Click HERE to upload entry

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by imagining the next 50 years!

This contest invites youth to explore creativity, innovation, and the future of America through art, writing, speeches, and mixed media. AI-assisted creations are welcome. Participants will reflect on how AI helped them shape their work.

Theme

America in 2076

• Imagine the next 50 years of America.
• What changes, what stays the same?
• Explore communities, landscapes, technology, values, or traditions.
• You can be serious, imaginative, or playful—your vision matters!

Who Can Enter

• Youth in grades K–12

Categories & Examples

1. Visual Art

• Painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, photography, digital art, or mixed media
• AI Use: AI-generated or AI-assisted art is allowed
• Submission: High-quality image file or physical artwork max size is 18”x24”

2. Written Work

• Short story, poem, essay, historical fiction, or descriptive piece
• AI Use: AI tools may assist with drafting, editing, or generating ideas
• Submission: Text document (max 1,000 words)

3. Speech / Video Presentation

• Recorded speech, short video, or narrated presentation imagining 2076
• AI Use: AI may assist with scripts, visuals, or video elements
• Submission: Video file (max 3 minutes)

4. Mixed / Innovative Media

• Wood/bubble art, sculpture, interactive presentation, or digital storytelling
• AI Use: AI may assist with prompts, design, or storytelling
• Submission: Clear photo or video of the creation

Educational Goals

• Encourage responsible and creative use of AI
• Foster imagination, storytelling, and critical thinking
• Celebrate America’s past, present, and future in a meaningful way
• Inspire youth to share their unique visions for the country

Rules

1. Work must align with the theme America in 2076
2. Original work only; AI may assist but human input must be clear
3. AI Reflection Required for AI-assisted work (3–5 sentences describing):
   • AI tool(s) used
   • Prompt(s) written
   • How the participant edited or influenced output
   • Human contributions to the final work
4. One entry per participant per category
5. Submission Formats & Limits:
   • Visual Art: Max 24” x 36”
   • Written Work: Max 1,000 words
   • Speech/Video: Max 3 minutes
   • Mixed/Innovative Media: Submit photo or video
6. Deadline: Monday, June 1st, 2026
7. Submit entries online via the link below or at or in-person at the Extension office.
8. Click HERE to upload entry

Age Divisions

• Grades K–2
• Grades 3–5
• Grades 6–8
• Grades 9–12

Awards

• Certificates, ribbons, and small prizes for other entries
• Public showcase at Iowa County Extension office
• Online gallery of entries

Judging Criteria

Criteria	Description
Creativity & Imagination	Original ideas and unique approach to the theme
Connection to Theme	How clearly the work reflects “America in 2076”
Craftsmanship & Execution	Quality, effort, clarity, and presentation
AI Reflection (if AI used)	Thoughtfulness of reflection and demonstration of human input
Originality & Voice	Participant’s personal voice and perspective shine through

AI Reflection Prompt (to include with your entry)

If you used AI in your creation, please tell us:

1. Which AI tool(s) you used
2. What prompts you wrote
3. How you edited or changed the AI’s output
4. What your own ideas or actions contributed to the final piece”