The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida have announced the launch of the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month student art and essay contests. The contests, themed “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage,” are held annually in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed nationwide 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 enrolled in any Florida school. Participants must submit original two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Four winners will be selected statewide, each receiving a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks.
Students in grades four through twelve can participate in 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) levels. Winners will receive a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, along with a $100 gift card for school supplies.
Eligibility requirements include being a resident of Florida, attending an eligible school (public, charter, private, home or virtual) in grades four through twelve, and being able to provide a Social Security Number. Each student may submit only one essay written in English with a maximum length of 500 words. Essays should focus on a Hispanic Floridian who has had an impactful effect on the state.
In addition to student contests, 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 across Florida. Four winners will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
Entries for all contests must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Submissions can be mailed or submitted online at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
For further details about participation guidelines and nomination forms, visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
