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ART & ESSAY CONTEST
2026 Earth Day: "Our Power, Our Planet"
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After the incredible response to last year’s ASCE OC YMF World Water Day Art and Essay Contest, we are back for Year 2, bigger, bolder, and bursting with creativity.
This Earth Day 2026, we are inviting all local K-12 students to showcase how their ideas, voices, and imagination can help protect the planet we call home.
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This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlights the impact each of us can make. From everyday choices to big picture dreams, students are encouraged to explore how people, communities, and engineers can shape a greener and more sustainable future.
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We are challenging students to look closely at the world around them, the places they love, the communities they belong to, and the changes they hope to see. Whether it is reimagining greener cities, protecting wildlife, reducing waste, or dreaming up innovative engineering solutions, participants have the opportunity to transform their ideas into art and writing that inspire others. We cannot wait to see how young creators use their talent to spotlight the power we all hold to build a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow.​
2026 ASCE OC YMF: K-12 ART & ESSAY CONTEST RULES
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS​
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Open to students ages 4 to 18.
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Only one (1) entry per student.
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All work must be original.
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WHAT TO CREATE​
Submit one (1) artwork plus a caption/essay (based on age group). Your piece should reflect this year's theme AND one or more of these ideas:
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Let's Celebrate Earth Day!
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Why Our Planet Matters
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Inspire action to protect the environment
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Exploring how human choices shape our world
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People and engineers contributing to a sustainable future
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Any 2D art medium (i.e., drawing or painting) is welcome. Just make sure you can take a clear photo of the artwork and a photo of the student with it.
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WRITING REQUIREMENTS BY AGE GROUP​
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4 to 9 Years Old: Short Caption (A few words or one sentence)
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10 to 14 Years Old: Short Essay (250–500 words)
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15 to 18 Years Old: Short Essay (500–750 words)
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SUBMISSION GUIDELINES​
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All entries must be submitted electronically
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Photos must be clear, well-lit, and show the full artwork
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Essays must be typed and submitted as a PDF or Word document
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Each submission must include:
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Student’s full name
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Age and grade
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School name
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Parent/guardian contact email
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JUDGING CRITERIA​
Entries will be evaluated on the following:​​
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Art
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Illustration: Shows clear understanding and interpretation of the theme
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Innovation: Demonstrates originality in concept and design
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Design: Effective use of color, texture, style, and overall visual impact​
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Writing
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Content: Strong focus on the topic and theme throughout the caption or essay
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Organization: Writing is easy to follow, well-structured, and flows smoothly
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Conventions: Proper grammar, spelling, and mechanics
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Judging will be conducted by the ASCE Orange County YMF Executive Board & K-12 Outreach Committee.
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PRIZES & RECOGNITION​
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Winners in each age group will receive exciting prizes.
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Selected entries will be featured on the ASCE Orange County website and social media.
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All participants will receive a certificate of participation.​
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IMPORTANT NOTES​
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By submitting, participants grant ASCE OC YMF permission to share their artwork, essays, and photos for promotional and educational purposes.
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Plagiarism or the use of AI‑generated art or writing is not permitted.
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Late or incomplete submissions may not be considered.​
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All entries must reflect respectful, positive, and inclusive themes. Submissions should honor the spirit of Earth Day and avoid content that is harmful, discriminatory, or inappropriate.