Metro Philadelphia<\/p>\n
Philadelphia high school students are being invited to share their creativity and vision for the city\u2019s future through a new partnership between PhillyGoes2College and Wawa Welcome America as part of celebrations leading up to the nation\u2019s 250th anniversary<\/a>.<\/p>\n The organizations announced the launch of the 2026 I AM PHL Contest & Student Summit<\/a>, a program that encourages students to create original works of art reflecting on Philadelphia\u2019s past, present and future.<\/p>\n Now in its fifth year, the contest \u2014 presented by PhillyGoes2College and powered by the Philadelphia Education Fund \u2014 invites students to submit an original song, spoken word or poetry piece, or visual artwork that explores how the city\u2019s history and current identity shape their own futures.<\/p>\n Organizers say the initiative aims to amplify student voices during a historic moment for the city as Philadelphia prepares to commemorate the country\u2019s 250th birthday in 2026.<\/p>\n \u201cI AM PHL gives young people a powerful platform to tell their own stories about the city \u2014 who they are, where they come from, and what they want Philadelphia to become,\u201d says\u00a0 Emmanuel Sofolawe, Senior Manager for PhillyGoes2College.\u00a0<\/p>\n Winners in each of the three contest categories will receive $1,000 prizes, along with mentorship opportunities from professionals in creative and financial fields and chances to showcase their work during 250th celebrations.\u00a0<\/p>\n An additional $1,000 prize will be awarded to the student whose submission best explains how they would invest the prize money to support their future goals.<\/p>\n Winning students and their families will also receive passes to the guest seating area at the festival\u2019s annual July 4 concert, one of the marquee events of the Wawa Welcome America celebration, as well as an opportunity to showcase their submissions during the Wawa Welcome America Festival this summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n