Texas Commission Launched Art Contest for Students
The statewide contest encourages students to submit creative work based on the theme of waste reduction.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Financial Aid
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The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has opened its annual Take Care of Texas art contest for all state students in grades K-12. Participants are tasked with creating work that highlights ways to reduce waste.
Why it matters
The program aims to educate young Texans on environmental stewardship by incentivizing creative expression related to sustainability. Winners will receive significant financial rewards ranging from gift cards to college scholarships.
Eligible students must submit entries on 8.5 by 11 inch paper that feature the phrase Take Care of Texas. Awards include $2,000 for the top grade 11-12 submission and $250 for grand prize winners in lower grades.
The players
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
This is the state agency responsible for protecting the states public health and natural resources.
Texas Chemistry Council
This organization represents the interest of the chemical industry and participates in judging the student art competition.
The details
Entries from public, private, and home-schooled students are judged by a panel including commission staff, executive leadership, and Texas Chemistry Council representatives. Finalists are selected by staff before the final winners are chosen by the commission and council representatives.
Timeline
October 9, 2026: Contest kickoff.
December 18, 2026: Deadline for postmarked entries.
April 2027: Announcement of contest winners.
June 2027: Awards banquet held for top winners.
Culture Shift
This program reflects a broader trend of integrating environmental education into state-sponsored youth initiatives. By aligning with the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards, the commission extends the reach of state environmental policy to school-aged residents.
Students across the state can participate in the contest to earn college scholarships or gift cards for their creative efforts. Participants must ensure their submissions meet the specific paper size and thematic requirements to be considered for prizes.
The takeaway
Engaging in state-sponsored creative contests provides students with early opportunities to secure financial rewards for higher education. Families should carefully review the entry requirements to ensure submissions are correctly formatted and postmarked by the December deadline.
What happens next
Entries for the art contest must be postmarked by December 18, 2026, to be eligible for consideration.
Further reading
Learn more about support programs available in Texas Financial Aid.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Orange Leader.
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