The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida are inviting students to participate in the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month art and essay contests. The contests will follow the theme “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage.” Hispanic Heritage Month is observed across the United States from September 15 to October 15.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate Spain’s influence on Florida’s rich heritage,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “I hope every student takes this opportunity to learn about the ways Florida has benefitted from this influence.”
“I am proud to honor the contributions and influence Hispanic cultures have on Florida,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “As a Cuban-American, Hispanic Heritage Month is a way to not only celebrate but to educate our future generations on the value of community and serving others.”
The art contest is open to all kindergarten through third-grade students in Florida. Participants are required to submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will each receive a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks.
Students in grades 4-12 attending any school in Florida can enter the essay contest. Six winners will be chosen: two each from elementary (grades 4-5), middle (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9-12). Each winner receives a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, along with a $100 gift card for school supplies.
Eligibility for both contests requires that contestants be residents of Florida, attend school in grades 4-12 within the state (including public, charter, private, home or virtual schools), and provide a Social Security Number. Only one essay submission per student is allowed; essays must be written in English and not exceed 500 words.
Students are encouraged to write about a Hispanic Floridian who has made an impact whose story should be shared.
In addition, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest invites nominations for full-time educators at elementary, middle or high schools throughout the state. Four educators will be selected as winners based on nominations submitted by principals, teachers, parents/guardians or students. Each winner will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
Entries for both student contests and educator nominations can be mailed or submitted online at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com. All submissions must be received by 5 p.m., Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
More information about these opportunities can be found at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
