In observance of America’s 250th anniversary, The Maryland Two Fifty Commission is looking back at our state’s contributions to American history through the eyes and experiences of fellow Marylanders. This commemoration is for every one of us, from the Chesapeake Bay to the mountain peaks in the west. Counties and municipalities are eligible to apply for any of the 3 grant programs, and geographic spread of grantees is a priority:

• Citizen academy grants of $500 for county and municipal citizen academies for short term programs to educate and engage citizens
• MD Two Fifty Fellows paid internship grants with mentor stipend for up to $7,500.Inclusive
• History grants for programs, projects, events, or research, up to $4,000

Details and applications can be found on the MD 250 website. Virtual information sessions are scheduled for Thursday, September 26, at 1:00 pm, for the MD Two Fifty Fellows grant program, and on Friday, September 27 at 11:00 am, for the MD Two Fifty Citizen Academy grant program. The virtual information sessions for the Inclusive History grant program will take place in late October.  All information will be posted on the MD 250 website and social media. 

Has your municipality created a program, policy or service that has positively impacted your community? Do you believe your city/town has implemented an innovative best practice or policy?  Then consider submitting it for an MML Municipal Achievement Award. Only one week remains to submit your entry!

The Municipal Achievement Awards are awarded annually to cities and towns that have successfully implemented policies and programs that advance good governance and the well-being of our communities.  Submissions will be accepted through September 25 at 12 noon. Recipients will be honored during the Excellence in Leadership Fall Conference, taking place November 6-8 in Cambridge.

Today’s young people are the leaders, innovators, and thinkers who will shape the next 250 years — and it’s important their voices are heard as we commemorate this historic milestone.

America’s Field Trip is a contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be 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?”

America250 America's Field Trip round 2 launched September 16, 2024. Earlier this year in round 1, of 150 national winners, 9 were Maryland students. Maryland winners celebrated at a recognition ceremony at the Maryland State Fair.

Nominations are now open for NLC's Centennial Under 40 Impact Awards

Municipal Staff-Focused Workshops 

• Showcase Solutions 
• Cabinet Secretaries Roundtables
  
• Population Forums 
• Additional Academy Core and Electives 
• A.M. Keynote session featuring Brandon P. Fleming, renowned speaker, nationally acclaimed educator, and author of MISEDUCATED

Staff lunches