City of Hayward Announces 43rd Annual Earth Day Poster and Writing Contest

The City of Hayward is hosting the 43rd Annual Earth Day Poster and Writing Contest as a part of Hayward’s celebration of Earth Day 2026. The annual contest encourages students to explore environmental themes and share their ideas for protecting the planet through creative expression.

All Hayward students in grades K–12 are invited to participate by submitting an original poster, poem, or essay inspired by the environment. Through art and writing, students are encouraged to reflect on sustainability, conservation, and environmental responsibility, and to consider how individual and community actions can support a healthier Earth.

The contest serves as an opportunity for students to engage with environmental topics in a meaningful way while participating in a citywide Earth Day celebration. By highlighting student creativity, the City of Hayward continues its commitment to environmental education and youth engagement.

Entries must be submitted online and are due Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Contest information and updates can be found at  www.hayward-ca.gov/earth-day and contest rules and guidelines can be viewed at www.hayward-ca.gov/poster-writing-contest.

Key Dates & Details

• Who Can Enter: Hayward students in grades K–12
• Submission Types: Poster, poem, or essay
• Theme: Environmentally inspired: water conservation, energy conservation, renewable energy, recycling & composting, biking, walking, & carpooling, sustainable meals, environmental justice, litter-free environment, etc.
• Submission Deadline: Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
• How to Enter: Students can either submit their entry online through the online submission form or send a hard copy to Hayward City Hall. Hard copies can either be mailed or handed directly. Hard copies must include the physical entry form. Prizes: Two winners for poster entries and two winners for poem/essay entries will be selected from each grade category. The grade categories are: K-1st Grade, 2nd-3rd Grade, 4th-5th Grade, 6th-8th Grade, and 9th-12th Grade. First place winners will receive a $200 gift certificate. Second place winners will receive a $150 gift certificate. Additionally, all the winners will be entered in a drawing for two $200 gift certificates. One winner will be drawn from the poster winners, and another winner will be drawn from the poem/essay winners.

Teachers of the winning students will also receive gift certificates. Teachers with a first-place winner will receive a $100 gift certificate. Teachers with a second-place winner will receive a $75 gift certificate. For questions about the contest,  please call (510) 583-4726 or email  Melany.ChavezUgalde@hayward-ca.gov.