2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Student Contests Now Open

The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida invite students across the state to participate in the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Art and Essay Contests. Open to public, charter, private, virtual, and homeschool students, this year's theme is "Celebrating Florida's Hispanic Heritage." Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 through October 15.

Students in grades K-3 may enter the Art Contest, while students in grades 4-12 may participate in the Essay Contest. Four statewide art winners will receive a $200 school supply gift card, and six essay winners will receive a 2-Year Florida College Plan Scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation plus a $200 school supply gift card.

Nominations are also being accepted for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award, which recognizes outstanding full-time Florida educators. Four award recipients will each receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.

Student entries and educator nominations may be submitted online at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com or mailed to Volunteer Florida. All submissions must be received by 5:00 p.m. ET on Monday, September 21, 2026.

For contest rules, eligibility requirements, and entry forms, visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.