Raíces Essay Contest is a national writing contest that invites secondary students to uncover and share the stories of Hispanic presence, culture, and leadership in their own communities. 

Why Raíces, and why now?

Raíces is a national essay contest for U.S. secondary students that shines a light on the living presence and contributions of the Hispanic community across the United States. Students are invited to tell the story behind a street name, a monument, a festival, a local leader, an organization, family recipe, culinary tradition, or even a neighborhood restaurant that connects their community to the Hispanic world. The goal is simple and powerful: to make visible what is often overlooked and affirm that Hispanic communities are here and are an active part of our shared society.  

Timed with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Raíces highlights the crucial economic and military support that Hispanic communities from Spain and the Americas provided to General Washington during the Revolutionary War—support that rarely appears in traditional narratives.

Who is behind Raíces?

Conceived by journalist and U.S. correspondent Guillermo Fesser, author of “Conoce a Bernardo de Gálvez / Get to Know Bernardo de Gálvez,” studied in many U.S. elementary and middle schools. A distinguished jury of chefs, scholars, journalists, educators, and community leaders serve as ambassadors for the contest. Their expertise in Hispanic history and culture, as well as their influence in education, media, and public life, helps ensure thoughtful selection of winning essays and broad visibility for students’ work. 

Award Ceremony and Prizes 

Raíces recognizes that meaningful stories emerge from powerful student–teacher partnerships, so every prize honors both the student and the teacher behind each winning essay, along with their school. 

First Prize:

Certificate and commemorative silver coin for the student, teacher, and school, plus a week-long, all-expenses-paid educational trip to Spain for the student and teacher, each with one companion, including visits to Madrid, Seville, Málaga, and historic sites linked to U.S. independence. The trip will take place during the summer of 2027.

Second Prize for 15 Finalists: 

Certificate for the student, teacher, school, plus a commemorative silver coin for reach—a replica of the Spanish dollars raised by Hispanic communities in 1781 to help fund Washington’s troops at Yorktown, an invitation to the awards ceremony in Washington D.C., and inclusion of their essay in Fesser’s upcoming publication, Hispanic Roots of the USA.

Recognition for All Participants:

Every student who submits an essay will receive a copy of Fesser’s book, Get to Know Bernardo de Gálvez, within 6-8 weeks after their submission. 

Who can participate and what to submit

Theme and essay guidelines

Essays should focus on a contemporary element in the student's community that connects to the Hispanic world. Possible topics include: a local street name, monument or public space with Hispanic roots; a local celebration, social organization, or cultural center; a community leader or historical figure of Hispanic origin. The possibilities are endless--from culinary traditions to current events, students are invited to explore the Hispanic roots of their own communities.

Timeline & Important Dates

• •          Contest launch: March 4th
  •          Submissions due: June 15th
  •          Award Ceremony: October 3^rd 

Eligibility

• •          Open to middle and high school students enrolled in schools in the United States.  
  •          Each submission must be supported by a teacher or parent who serves as the student’s sponsor; all awards recognize both student and adult.  

Format requirements

• •          Original essay written by the student (no previously published work or AI-generated essays). 
  •          Maximum length: 3,000 words.  
  •         Language: Essays may be submitted in English or Spanish. 
  •         Digital submission only, via the online contest form (no mailed entries).  

Evaluation process

• •          A team of teachers and experts coordinated by the contest organizers will review all eligible entries.  
  •          A dedicated rubric will prioritize originality of the story, relevance to the Hispanic presence in the community, and the clarity with which the student connects local stories to broader Hispanic heritage. 

How to Submit your Raíces essay

Step 1: Write your essay 

• •          Choose a topic in your community that connects meaningfully to the Hispanic world. 
  •          Write an original essay of up to 3,000 words, following the theme and format guidelines above.  
  •          Work with your sponsoring teacher to refine your ideas and finalize your draft. 

 Step 2: Submit online 

• •          Complete the student and teacher information fields. 
  •          Upload your essay file in .pdf format. 

Step 3: Confirmation and notifications 

• •          After submitting, students and teachers will receive an email confirmation with an entry ID. 
  •          Notifications about finalist and winner selections will be sent by email once judging is complete.