Press release from the Florida Department of Education
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida invite students throughout the state to participate in the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month art and essay contests. All Florida students – including public, charter, private, virtual, and homeschool – may participate in contests based on this year’s theme, “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage.” Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 through October 15 every year.
“I encourage every Florida student to enter this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month contests,” said Commissioner of Education Henry Mack. “Hispanic Floridians have helped build this state for generations. These contests let our students honor that record—not as a political talking point, but as part of the Florida story we already live.”
“Florida’s Hispanic heritage is an important part of the history, culture, and character of our state,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “Generations of Hispanic Floridians have made lasting contributions to our communities and helped shape the Florida we know today. These contests provide a meaningful opportunity for students to learn more about and celebrate this rich history and heritage while recognizing the educators who inspire the next generation to learn, serve, and make a difference in their communities.”
Students in grades K-3 are invited to participate in an art contest, while students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.
About the Student Art Contest
The 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month art contest is open to all Kindergarten through grade three students in Florida. Each student should submit one original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $200 gift card for school supplies.
About the Student Essay Contest
The 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest is open to all students in grades 4-12 at any Florida school. Six winners will be selected: two elementary school students (grades 4-5), two middle school students (grades 6-8), and two high school students (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $200 gift card for school supplies.
Contestants must be Florida residents, attend school in Florida in grades 4-12 (including public, charter, private, home or virtual), and be able to provide a Social Security Number. Each student may enter only one piece of artwork or essay, written in English, no longer than 500 words.
About the Excellence in Education Award
Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida. Four winners will be selected, and nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian, or student. Excellence in Education award winners will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
Contest Entries and Nominating Forms and Guidelines
Mail student contest forms and educator nomination forms to Volunteer Florida or submit them online at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.
Volunteer Florida
Hispanic Heritage Month Committee
1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
All entries must be received by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on Monday, September 21, 2026.
