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Making Waves

Engage. Educate. Protect Our Gulf.

About Making WAVES

Making WAVES is a three-year initiative funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect and restore the Texas Gulf Coast. Through this project, Keep Texas Beautiful is exploring how environmental messages influence real-world action to prevent litter and reduce plastic pollution in Texas waterways.

The project combines research, education, and engagement—empowering high school students and communities to make a difference. A statewide art and slogan contest will invite youth to create inspiring messages about litter prevention, while cleanup events across Texas will turn those messages into action.

The winning artwork and slogan will be featured in a statewide campaign encouraging Texans to Engage. Educate. Protect Our Gulf.

Attendee with bag walks on gravel land strip between two sections of ocean.

Making WAVES Art & Slogan Contest

The Making WAVES Art & Slogan Contest invites Texas high school students to create original artwork and a memorable slogan that inspires people to prevent litter, protect waterways, and take action in their communities.

The winning artwork and slogan will be featured in a statewide litter-prevention campaign in 2028.

Contest dates: December 1, 2026–January 31, 2027
Explore the Art & Slogan Contest Guide
Learn more
Explore the Teacher Guide
view teacher guide
Explore the Affiliate Guide
Learn more

About the Contest

Who:

Texas high school students ages 14 and older who are currently enrolled in grades 9–12 at a public or private high school. Students under 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian. One entry per student.

What to Submit:

Each entry must include:

  • One original, two-dimensional artwork measuring 8.5 × 11 inches and submitted as a high-resolution JPG or PNG
  • One original slogan submitted separately from the artwork

The slogan and other messaging text should not appear within the artwork.

When:
Submissions Open December 1, 2026–January 31, 2027
How to Enter:

Entries must be submitted through the online entry form between December 1, 2026 and January 31, 2027 11:59 pm CT. Physical and mailed submissions will not be accepted.

Prizes

Grand Prize
  • $1,800 Ruthe Jackson Youth Award
  • $1,000 travel stipend for the youth and their parent/guardian to attend the 2027 KTB Annual Conference
  • Statewide recognition as the winning artwork and slogan is featured in KTB’s 2028 litter prevention campaign
  • A KTB-sponsored community cleanup
  • Up to 10 water bottle refill stations for the winner’s school
Second Place

$700


Third Place

$500

Educator Awards

Two participating teachers will each receive a $1,000 Ruthe Jackson Educator Award. See the Teacher Guide for eligibility requirements.

Creative Prompt

Your artwork and slogan should inspire people to prevent litter, protect Texas waterways, or take action in their communities. Consider showing where litter travels, what is at stake, or how individual actions can make a difference.

Educator Resources

Bring Making WAVES Into Your Classroom

The Making WAVES curriculum connects biology, art, and environmental science to a question that starts close to home: Where does litter go when it leaves our communities?

Designed for grades 9–12, this TEKS-aligned, cross-curricular Biology and Art unit helps students trace litter through Texas watersheds, explore its effects on aquatic ecosystems, and use art and persuasive messaging to inspire action.

The curriculum includes four lessons, student worksheets, an art component, and an assessment rubric. It can be incorporated into an existing Biology or Art unit or taught as a cross-curricular project.

Affiliate Resources

Bring Making WAVES Into Your Community

KTB affiliates can play a key role in bringing the Making WAVES campaign to local students and communities. Help us spread the word about the Art & Slogan Contest now—and get ready to bring the campaign to your community by hosting a youth-focused cleanup in spring 2027.

Promote the Contest. Bring the Campaign Home.

The Making WAVES Art & Slogan Contest opens December 1, 2026, and we need our affiliates to help get the word out.

Share the contest and curriculum with local:

  • High schools and teachers
  • Youth organizations and clubs
  • Students and families
  • Community partners

Use your social media, newsletters, website, local media connections, and community networks to encourage students to participate.

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