National student contests
Contests
Enter the annual Elks DAP student contests and celebrate national poster, essay, and video winners by year.
Poster · Essay · Video
Each year, the Elks Drug Awareness Program (DAP) invites students across the country to share their creativity and voice in our Poster, Essay, and Video Contests. These national contests encourage young people to think about the impact of drugs and make healthy, informed choices.
The 2025–2026 theme is:
“Drugs are a Grave Mistake”
Students express this theme through art, writing, or video — with local winners advancing to state contests, and state winners competing at the national level.
Contest Categories
Poster Contest
Open to: Grades 3-5
Participants design a poster that reflects the annual theme in an original and creative way.
Essay Contest
Open to: Grades 6-8
Students write an essay exploring the contest theme and sharing their perspective on drug awareness and prevention.
Video Contest
Open to: Grades 6-12
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Pre-High School Division – grades 6-8
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High School Division – grades 9–12
Participants create short videos (30 to 60 seconds) that communicate the theme in an engaging, educational, and age-appropriate way.
How to Enter
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Review the contest rules and entry forms for your state Elks association.
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Complete the required entry form for your contest category.
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Submit your entry to your local Elks Lodge before your state’s deadline.
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Local winners advance to state contests, and state winners are submitted to the national level for judging.
For details on deadlines and where to send entries, contact your state Drug Awareness Chairperson: