The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida have announced the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month student art and essay contests, inviting participation from students across the state. The theme for this year is “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage.” Hispanic Heritage Month 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.”
Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo added, “I am proud to honor the contributions and influence Hispanic cultures have on Florida. 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 Kindergarten through third-grade students in Florida. Participants are required to submit original two-dimensional artwork reflecting the contest theme. Four statewide winners will each receive a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks.
For students in grades 4-12 attending any public, charter, private, home or virtual school in Florida, the essay contest offers six prizes: two each for elementary (grades 4-5), middle (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9-12) students. Winners will receive a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation as well as a $100 gift card for school supplies.
Eligibility requires contestants to be residents of Florida and able to provide a Social Security Number. Only one essay per student may be submitted, written in English with a maximum length of 500 words. Essays should focus on a Hispanic Floridian who has had an impactful effect whose story should be shared.
Additionally, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest invites nominations for full-time educators working at elementary, middle or high schools in the state. Four winners will each receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
Entries and nominations must be mailed or submitted online via www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com by 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
Further information can be found at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
