The United States turns 250 years old in 2026. In recognition of this historic event, the National High School Design Competition invites students from across the country to explore our nation’s past and celebrate its innovative spirit by responding to this year’s challenge:
What would you design for your community’s future?
Begin by looking back. Reflect on our nation’s history through the lens of design in your corner of the United States. Identify an example of a design that made an impact—a design that represents your community, its ideals, and its unique chapter of the story of the country. Then, look forward. What would you design to support your community for the next 250 years? Propose your own design that reflects our nation’s shared ideals and contributes to your community’s future.
Select entries from across the nation will be featured on an interactive map on Cooper Hewitt’s website, highlighting the creative design proposals and showcasing the story of our nation from the perspective of forwarding-thinking teens.
The entry period will be open from Jan. 6-Feb. 2 at 10:59 p.m. Central Time. Please check your local time zone. Late entries will not be accepted.
To learn more, visit the National High School Design Competition webpage of the Smithsonian Design Museum.
If you have any questions, you may contact DesignCompetition@si.edu.