ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida students can put their creativity — and writing skills — to work during Hispanic Heritage Month through statewide contests offering school-supply gift cards, college scholarships and recognition for educators.
The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida invite entries for the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month art and essay contests, themed “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage.”
They are open to Florida public, charter, private, virtual, and homeschool students.
Students in kindergarten through third grade may submit one original, two-dimensional piece of art. Four statewide winners will receive $200 gift cards for school supplies.
Students in grades 4 through 12 can enter an English-language essay of no more than 500 words. Six winners — two each from elementary, middle and high school grade groups — will receive a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, plus a $200 school-supplies gift card.
How to enter
Entries and nomination forms can be submitted online or mailed to Volunteer Florida through the state’s Hispanic Heritage Month contest website, FloridaHispanicHeritage.com. Student entrants must be Florida residents enrolled in a Florida school, including home or virtual programs.
Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
Educator nominations
Parents, students, teachers and principals can also nominate a full-time Florida educator for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.
Four educators statewide will be selected to receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
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