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.”
“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 Kindergarten through third-grade students in Florida, who are invited to submit original two-dimensional artwork based on the annual theme. Four winners will be chosen statewide, each receiving a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks.
For older students in grades 4-12 attending any type of school in Florida—including public, charter, private, home or virtual—there is an essay contest. Six winners will be selected: two from elementary (grades 4-5), two from middle (grades 6-8), and two from high school (grades 9-12). Each winner 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.
Contestants must be residents of Florida and able to provide a Social Security Number. Each participant may submit only one essay in English, limited to no more than 500 words. The essay should focus on a Hispanic Floridian who has made an impactful contribution whose story merits recognition.
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 winners will receive $2,500 each from Volunteer Florida. Nominations can be submitted by principals, teachers, parents or guardians, or students.
All student entries and educator nominations must be received by Volunteer Florida by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Submissions can be mailed or uploaded online at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
Further details about eligibility requirements and contest guidelines are available at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
