Idaho Launches Annual Student Holiday Card Contest
K-12 students across the state can submit original holiday-themed artwork for a chance to be featured by the department.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Idaho Department of Education has launched its annual holiday card contest for all K-12 students across the state. Winning designs will be featured on the department's website, with two overall selections serving as the agency's official holiday cards for the season.
Why it matters
This contest provides a creative platform for K-12 students to have their artwork recognized at the state level and displayed by the Idaho Department of Education. It encourages participation across all grade levels while highlighting the artistic talents of Idaho's youth.
The contest includes 13 grade levels (K-12) and is open to all students throughout Idaho. Submissions are accepted until the deadline of November 16, 2026.
The players
Idaho Department of Education
The state agency responsible for overseeing K-12 public education and student enrichment programs in Idaho.
The details
Students may submit designs created with watercolors, colored paper, markers, and crayons for judging. The department explicitly prohibits entries made with pencil, fabric, photography, video, or digital tools, as well as any designs incorporating copyrighted imagery.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The Idaho Department of Education launched the holiday card contest.
November 16, 2026: The final deadline for students to submit their artwork entries.
The Home Front
State education departments frequently sponsor art competitions to encourage student engagement with public institutions. This initiative follows the department's established annual tradition of using student artwork for official seasonal correspondence.
Families with school-aged children can encourage students to prepare their art submissions using approved media like markers or watercolors. Ensure all artwork is original and avoids copyrighted images before sending it to the department for consideration.
The takeaway
This contest is an opportunity to showcase student art, provided the work strictly adheres to the department's allowed media list. Before mailing, confirm the entry uses only permitted materials such as crayons or paint and avoids all digital or photography-based designs.
What happens next
The Idaho Department of Education will announce winning grade-level entries and the two overall winners following the November 16, 2026, submission deadline.
Further reading
Find more information on state educational initiatives and opportunities in Secondary Education.
Live Poll
Do you believe state-sponsored creative contests for students improve the quality of local school engagement?
