AmCham China Initiative • 2026
The Essay 250 Contest
Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary Through Young Voices in China
AmCham China invites US student passport holders living in Mainland China to share their unique perspective: “What does America’s 250th anniversary mean to you, seen through the lens of life in China?”
Submission Deadline: July 4, 2026 | Awards Ceremony: AmCham China Annual General Meeting, November/December 2026
2
Age Categories
4
Prizes
250
Years of America
July 4
Submission Deadline
About the Contest
A Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary
The Essay 250 Contest is an AmCham China initiative that ties the 250th Anniversary of the United States to education and to the unique experiences of American students living and studying in China. Students are invited to reflect on what America means to them — its values, its history, its future — through the lens of their lives as Americans abroad.
Participating Schools and Partners:
- TBC
“The 250th anniversary can be an event that unites us all. This is a wonderful opportunity for young American voices in China to be heard.”
— James Zimmerman, Chairman, AmCham China
Quick Facts
- Prizes: Cash book scholarships + certificates/trophies
- Submission Deadline: July 4, 2026
- Awards Ceremony: AmCham China’s Annual General Meeting, Nov/Dec 2026
- Judges: Educators and prominent authors/journalists in China
- Publication: Winning and selected finalist’s essays will be published on the AmCham China website and featured in the AmCham China Quarterly magazine
- Who Can Enter?
- Open to all US passport holders in grades 7–12 currently in Mainland China
- Students at international schools, local schools, or home-schooled are all eligible
- AmCham China membership is not required
Questions? Email essay250@amchamchina.org
Competition Categories
Two Grades Levels, One Shared Theme
The contest is divided into two categories by grade level, each with its own prizes.
Category A
Middle School
Grades 7–9
As an American living in China, what does the 250th anniversary of the United States mean to you? Write an essay reflecting on American values, history, or identity as seen through your unique experience abroad.
Suggested length: 500–800 words
Category B
High School
Grades 10–12
Suggested length: 800–1,200 words
How to Enter
Four Simple Steps
Essay Requirements & Guidelines
- Written in English
- Original, unpublished work by the student
- Middle School: 500–800 words
- High School: 800–1,200 words
- Submitted by email by deadline to essay250@amchamchina.org
- One submission per student
- Student must hold a valid US passport
- Currently enrolled in school in Mainland China
- Essay topic must relate to the 250th Anniversary theme
- Parental/guardian consent required
- Deadline: July 4, 2026 (11:59 PM CST)
- No AmCham China membership required
Submit Your Entry
Ready to Enter?
Click to download the submission guideline and submit your essay to essay250@amchamchina.org. The deadline is July 4, 2026.
Key Dates
Contest Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
The contest is open to all students (parent or guardian consent required) in grades 7–12 who hold a valid US passport and are currently enrolled in a school (international, local, or home school) in Mainland China. AmCham China membership is not required.
As an American living in China, what does the 250th anniversary of the United States mean to you? Write an essay reflecting on American values, history, or identity as seen through your unique experience abroad.
Middle School students (Grades 7–9) should aim for 500–800 words. High School students (Grades 10–12) should aim for 800–1,200 words. Essays significantly outside these ranges may be disqualified.
Winners in both the Middle School and High School categories will receive cash book scholarships and framed certificates. Runners-up will also receive cash book scholarships and certificates of achievement. Prize amounts will be confirmed and announced at the official launch.
Winning essays and selected finalists may be published on the AmCham China website and in the AmCham China Quarterly magazine, which reaches nearly 1,000 member companies and a wide business and government audience. Publication requires consent from the student and their parent/guardian.
Winners will be notified directly and invited to attend (in person or by video) the AmCham China Annual General Meeting and awards ceremony, held in late November or early December 2026, where awards will be presented.
Yes — students from international schools, local Chinese schools, and home-schooled students are all eligible, provided they hold a valid US passport and reside in Mainland China.
Please email us at essay250@amchamchina.org and a member of the AmCham China team will get back to you.
Questions? Get in Touch.
For contest inquiries, school partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities,
contact the AmCham China Essay 250 team.