The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida are inviting students across the state to participate in the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month student art and essay contests. 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 students in kindergarten through third grade attending school in Florida. Participants are asked to submit original two-dimensional artwork reflecting the annual theme. Four winners will be selected, each receiving a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks.
For older students, the essay contest is available for those in grades 4 through 12 enrolled at any public, charter, private, home, or virtual school in Florida. Six winners will be chosen: two each from elementary (grades 4-5), middle (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9-12). Each 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.
To qualify for the essay contest, students must be residents of Florida, enrolled in grades 4-12 within the state, and able to provide a Social Security Number. Only one essay per student may be submitted; essays must be written in English and not exceed 500 words. Contestants are asked to write about 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 recognizes full-time educators at elementary, middle, or high schools throughout Florida. Four winners will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida. Nominations can be submitted by principals, teachers, parents or guardians, or students.
All contest entries and educator nominations must be received by Volunteer Florida no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Submissions can be mailed or uploaded online at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
Further information about these contests is available at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
