Essay Contest

(Grades 4-5, 6-8, 9-12)

Governor Ron DeSantis’ and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Essay Contest is open to all students attending any Florida school in grades 4-12 (public, charter, private, home or virtual). Six winners will be selected: two elementary school student (grades 4–5), two middle school student (grades 6–8) and two high school student (grades 9–12). Each winner will receive a 2–Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies.

Entry Dates: Entries can be mailed to Volunteer Florida, Black History Month Committee, 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250, Tallahassee, FL 32308, or submitted electronically through the online submission form. All entries must be received no later than 5 pm ET on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. Emailed, scanned, or faxed entries will not be accepted. Contestants are responsible for all shipping costs. Entries submitted electronically will receive email confirmation.

Awards: Each winner will receive a 2–Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies. Once the winners are announced, the decision is final.

Contact Volunteer Florida at (850) 414-7400 for any further questions.

Online Submission
2024 Black History Month Essay Contest Online Submission

Paper Submission
2024 Black History Month Essay Contest Rules, Guidelines & Waiver Form (.PDF)