DEC Launches 2027 Middle School Poster Contest

New York's Department of Environmental Conservation opens its 22nd annual student poster contest under the theme "Water Connects Us All."

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Environmental

Clear river branching through a forested New York valley under overcast autumn light, with mossy stones and reeds along the banks. — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation opened its 22nd annual middle school poster contest, themed "Water Connects Us All," with submissions due January 8, 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced its 22nd annual middle school student poster contest, with the 2027 theme "Water Connects Us All." Submissions are accepted through January 8, 2027.

Why it matters

The contest encourages younger New Yorkers to engage with water quality and watershed protection, a focus shared by several state agencies funding statewide water projects. It is run in partnership with the New York Water Environment Association.

The contest has run every year since 2004, and 14 winning posters will be published in DEC and NYWEA's 2028 Annual Calendar. The announcement does not state how many entries were received in prior years.

The players

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The state agency responsible for protecting New York's air, water, land, and wildlife, which runs the annual poster contest.

New York Water Environment Association

A professional association of water quality practitioners in New York that partners with DEC on the poster contest and co-publishes the annual calendar.

The details

Middle school students across New York State are invited to create posters on the theme "Water Connects Us All." Teachers, schools, and clubs can find entry details on DEC's website for the 2026-27 school year.

2004: DEC's annual poster contest began.
2026-27 school year: Contest participation period for New York schools.
January 8, 2027: Deadline for poster submissions.
2028: Winning posters featured in the 2028 Annual Calendar.

Program Continuity

The 2027 contest continues DEC's annual poster series, which has run since 2004 and has previously used themes such as "We All Live in a Watershed" and "The Importance of Wastewater Treatment." The new theme "Water Connects Us All" extends that sequence of watershed-focused education.

Teachers and schools in New York can register students for the 2026-27 contest by visiting DEC's website before the January 8, 2027 deadline. Winning posters will appear in the 2028 calendar, offering students public recognition for their work.

The takeaway

Students and educators can join a long-running state program that connects classroom art with real water-quality issues. Entries must be submitted by January 8, 2027 to be considered.