AmCham China Initiative • 2026
America at 250
“The Essay 250 Contest offers young writers a wonderful opportunity to not only express their creative minds about what it means to be an American student in China, but also an important opportunity to have their work reviewed by a distinguished panel of authors and journalists.”
––– Bonnie Perdue, Essay 250 Contest Goodwill Ambassador and educator, spouse of US Ambassador to China David Perdue
“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
Essay Contest for US Students in China
3
Age Categories
6
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.
Supporting Schools and Partners:
- International School of Beijing
- Western Academy of Beijing
- Qingdao International School
- Quality Schools International – QSI Chengdu
- Wuhan Yangtze International School – Life Plus International School
Quick Facts
- Prizes: Cash book scholarships + framed certificates
- 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 1–12 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
Special Offer from Bookazine
All students who submit an essay are entitled to a 10% discount on online purchases from Bookazine, Hong Kong’s premier bookstore with six convenient store locations.
Use code AMCHAMCHINAESSAY250 at checkout on bookazine.com.hk
- Minimum purchase: HK$250
- Valid online only
- Valid until September 30, 2026
- Cannot be applied to fixed-price items
The Judging Panel
Meet Our Judges
Essays will be evaluated by an independent panel of educators, authors, and prominent journalists with expertise and experience in China.
John Pomfret
John Pomfret, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, served as a correspondent for the Washington ...
Steven Schwankert
Steven Schwankert is an award-winning writer and editor, and the author of the acclaimed ...
Eva Dou
Eva Dou is an award-winning journalist based in Washington, DC, writing about technology policy for The Washington ...
Competition Categories
Three Age Categories, One Shared Theme
The contest is divided into three categories by grade level, each with its own prizes.
Category A
Elementary School
Grades 6 and Under
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: 100–500 words
Category B
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 C
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
- Elementary School: 100–500 words
- 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?
Download the submission form 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 elementary, middle, and high school 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.
Elementary school students (grades 6 & under) should aim for 100–500 words. 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 all three 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.
Supporting Organizations
