Florida’s gearing up to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, and the Florida Department of Education, alongside Volunteer Florida, wants every K-12 student in the state to join in. They’re hosting the America250FL art and essay contests, a chance for students to stop, look back at our nation’s journey, and shine a light on the role Florida has played along the way.
The challenge: create an original essay or artwork around the theme, “Celebrating Florida’s Contributions to America.” The deadline’s Monday, March 16. The lucky and talented winners will receive a Florida College Plan scholarship thanks to the amazing support from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas put it simply: “America’s 250th anniversary is right around the corner. With the America250FL contest, students get to dig into how Florida helped shape and strengthen our country. I’m proud of Florida’s leadership in education and can’t wait to see what students create.”
Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who chairs the America250FL Commission, feels the excitement too. “The Spirit of ‘76 is alive and well in Florida,” he said. “I encourage every student to look into our state’s history and heritage by joining these contests.”
Josie Tamayo, CEO of Volunteer Florida, sees this anniversary as more than just a milestone. “America’s 250th is a real chance to spark the next generation’s interest in our shared story and help them picture their own part in shaping what comes next. The America250FL contests invite students to celebrate Florida’s role in America and inspire them to keep that story going through service and civic involvement.”
Here’s how it works:
For elementary students (K-5), the art contest is open. Submit a two-dimensional, original piece based on the theme. Six winners will each get a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship, thanks to the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
For middle and high school students (grades 6-12), the essay contest is the ticket. Three middle school winners (grades 6-8) will each receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship. Five high school winners (grades 9-12) will each earn a 4-year Florida College Plan scholarship, all provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
All contestants must live in Florida and have a Social Security number. Only one submission per student.
To enter, students can mail their contest forms to Volunteer Florida or submit them online at America250FloridaContest.com.
Volunteer Florida
America 250FL Committee
1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
Entries must arrive by 5 p.m. (ET) on Monday, March 16, 2026.
