Enter the Contest!
Visual arts and writing allow a glimpse into the world of the artist – as seen through their eyes. The Military Child Education Coalition believes that artistic expression is a pure, sincere, and a candid method children use to communicate pride in their parents, celebrate their military-connected lives, acknowledge their grief or worry, and so much more.
Since 2002, thousands of military-connected children have shared their experiences, dreams, and challenges through art.
ELIGIBILITY + SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Open to children in grades K-12
- Only original work will be accepted (no copies of artwork, songs or existing video)
- All submissions should be titled; if not, MCEC may title the work
- Creative writing, poetry, or prose must not exceed 500 words
ART IDEAS TO CONSIDER
- Share global experiences, cultures, and friendships you’ve had as a military or veteran-connected child
- Celebrate what makes you proud of being a military kid
- Highlight a time when you overcame a challenge
- Show how you thrive with the support of your family, friends, school, or your community
WHAT TO DO
- Using any medium (paint, pencil, photography, performance, writing, animation, video etc.), share what being a military-connected child means to you.
- Complete the Entry and Release form with an adult signature.
- Mail your art* and completed form to:
MCEC Call for the Arts
909 Mountain Lion Circle
Harker Heights, TX 76548
*Digital art, poetry/writing, photography, or performance art videos may be submitted with completed forms by email to: CallForTheArts@MilitaryChild.org
Winners will be selected from each category (grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12)
Winners receive:
- An Amazon gift card in one of the following amounts:
$100: 1st Place and Spotlight winners
$75: 2nd Place winners
$50: 3rd Place winners - An invitation to attend the MCEC Global Training Summit, July 8-10, 2025, in Washington, DC!
- Accolades on MCEC’s social media, eNews, and website at MilitaryChild.org
Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2025.
Winners will be notified before the end of May 2025, by phone and email, followed by an announcement on social media and on the MCEC website.
The MCEC Entry and Release Form must be completed in full, signed by an adult, and attached with the submission. Both digital and physical submissions must be accompanied by a release form or cannot be considered. If artwork is selected for publication, entrant may be asked to submit a photograph of themselves to be published with their work. Artwork may be used in MCEC promotional materials and featured in displays throughout the year. Artwork will not be returned, unless a request for return is made in writing. Requests can be sent to CallForTheArts@MilitaryChild.org and must include the artist’s name, grade, school, and description of the work.
Have a Question? Ask a MSC!
Our Military Student Consultant is the portal for all questions student and parent related. Click on the button below to submit your question. We will always do our best to get back to you within 24 hours!