Students across Florida are being invited to participate in the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month art and essay contests, organized by the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida. The contests coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed nationally 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 students in kindergarten through third grade who are asked to submit original two-dimensional artwork based on the theme “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage.” Four winners will be chosen, each receiving a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks.
For students in grades four through twelve, an essay contest will be held. Six winners will be selected—two each from elementary (grades 4-5), middle (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation as well as a $100 gift card for school supplies.
Eligible participants must be residents of Florida, enrolled in grades four through twelve at any public, charter, private, home, or virtual school in the state, and able to provide a Social Security Number. Essays should be written in English and must not exceed 500 words. The subject should focus on 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 any elementary, middle, or high school in Florida. Four educators will be recognized with awards of $2,500 each from Volunteer Florida. Nominations can come from principals, teachers, parents or guardians, or students.
Entries for all contests must be submitted by mail or online at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
More information about these opportunities can be found at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
