Optimum, provider of fiber internet, mobile, and TV services, has announced the launch of its annual Hispanic Heritage essay contest across its service area. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the essay contest recognizes and celebrates the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of generations of Hispanic Americans across the country.

Available to all middle and high school students across Optimum’s footprint, the essay contest will run through Friday, Oct. 31, and boasts a total of four grand prize scholarships of $3,000, as well as honorable mention prizes.

Additionally, Optimum officials said this year it will recognize the educators who encouraged their students to enter the contest in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. They said special gifts will be awarded to educators who sponsor the highest number of essay submissions from their students.

“Optimum is honored to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through this meaningful essay contest, now in its 18^th year,” said Jen Ostrager, senior vice president of community affairs at Optimum. “As a company committed to supporting education, this contest provides students the opportunity to share how Hispanic culture shapes their lives and communities. Year after year, we are inspired by the passion and creativity expressed in these essays, and we look forward to reading the stories students will share this season.”

The criteria for the contest are as follows:

In Hispanic culture, traditions such as dance, food or historical and family celebrations are important ways people connect and reflect on heritage. People also connect to Hispanic culture through media and entertainment, events or relationships with individuals in their community. In 500 words or less, choose a person, cultural experience, celebration or tradition that has helped you connect to Hispanic culture and explain what that means to you.

Meanwhile, the contest eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Participants must be students in Grades 6-12 and attending a school in the Optimum service area;
• Participants from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds are welcome to submit an essay;
• Essay submissions must be written in English; and
• All essay submissions must be received by 11.59 p.m. EST on Oct. 31, 2025.

Optimum officials said the company continues to find new ways to deepen its community presence and connect its customers to what matters most, which they said includes supporting, understanding, and celebrating what makes each of its local communities unique.

They said through initiatives like its Hispanic Heritage essay contest, the company demonstrates its ongoing dedication to fostering growth and making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves.

For more on Optimum’s Hispanic Heritage essay contest, including submission requirements, information on prizes, and how to submit essays, visit optimum.com/hhm.