South Dakota students have several opportunities to showcase their talents. Please share these events with your students (as grade-level appropriate).

America’s Field Trip

America’s Field Trip is a contest that invites students across the country in grades 3-12 to be a part of America’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them – with the opportunity to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.

Students are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?”

Submissions will be accepted until Wednesday, April 16, at 5 p.m. (ET). Learn more at the America’s Field Trip website.

South Dakota Arts Council Congressional Art Competition

Students in grades 9-12 are invited to submit their original artwork for the Congressional Art Competition on behalf of U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson. The Congressional Arts Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation, as well as in each congressional district.

The winning entry from South Dakota will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol’s Cannon Tunnel. The second-place winner will be displayed in Rep. Johnson’s office in Washington, D.C., for one year.

To learn more, visit the South Dakota Arts Council 2025 Congressional Art Competition webpage. The submission deadline is April 15, 2025.

South Dakota State Fair

The Arts & Education Building at the South Dakota State Fair features projects from students from across South Dakota. Projects representing all classroom subjects are welcome, and students from public, private, Tribal/BIE, or home schools are eligible to enter their work to the State Fair office.

To submit student entries to the State Fair, visit the State Fair website. Entries are due by April 15.

West River Math Contest

Middle and high school students enrolled in West River schools are invited to participate in the West River Math Competition. South Dakota Mines is hosting the contest, which will consist of a math exam in one of five mathematical areas.

The competition will take place Monday, May 12, at South Dakota Mines in Rapid City. Students can compete in one of five divisions: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Math, and Master’s.

To learn more, and to register, visit the West River Math Contest webpage. Registrations are due by Friday, April 18.