Back the Bell: I Am a Dreamer Contest – Oct 23

Posted by The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia on October 13, 2026

The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia’s Back the Bell is officially open for entries, and we’re calling on School District of Philadelphia students in grades 6 – 12 to take part.

Here’s how it works: district students in grades 6–12 design an original graphic inspired by this year’s theme, I AM a Dreamer – because public education gives every student the opportunity to dream boldly, and the support to turn those dreams into reality.

The public then votes on their favorite, and the winning design is printed on real merchandise – t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and more – sold to Philadelphians citywide. Proceeds go to support district schools. Since 2018, this initiative has raised $250,000, funding field trips, STEM supplies, updated technology, and library books.

Key dates:

• Entries open now through Friday, October 23
• Public voting: October 27 – November 6
• Winner announced: week of November 16

Prizes: $1,500 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd, $250 for 3rd. The 1st place winning artist also sees their design worn across the city.

Learn more.

If you’re a school leader, we’d appreciate you sharing this with your art teachers, student council, or advisory groups. The more students who enter, the more designs the city gets to vote on. If you’re a parent or guardian of a grade 6 – 12 student, encourage your young creator to give it a shot; no design experience required, just an original idea.

Questions? Reach out to Leo Lopez at llopez@thefundsdp.org.