The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District is launching its 2025 Clean Air Calendar Art Contest for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Students are encouraged to create art pertaining to this year’s theme centered around the question, “Why is Clean Air Important to You?”

“We’re so excited to be hosting our Clean Air Calendar Art Contest again this year and can’t wait to see all the creative and meaningful entries,” District Executive Director Gretchen Bennitt stated. “This contest is a great way to engage students while also educating the community about the importance of air quality.”

Research has shown the negative impacts of poor air quality on human and environmental health. This contest provides an opportunity for students to learn about clean air and the small changes that can lead to a big impact on the environment, Bennitt said in a released statement from the district.

Last year’s contest saw over 60 submissions from across Yolo and Solano Counties, and the district hopes to even more students feel compelled to participate in this year’s contest.

As in previous years, there will be 12 winners of the contest. Air District staff will select first, second and third place winners in each of the following grade categories: Kindergarten through grade two, grades three through fice, grades six through eight, and grades nine through 12. Winners will receive Amazon gift cards ($30 for first place and $25 for second and third places) and be featured in the 2026 Clean Air Calendar, which will be distributed throughout the community.

The deadline to submit art for the contest is 4 p.m. on April 25. Students must be attending schools within District boundaries, which includes all of Yolo County and the northeast part of Solano County, including Dixon, Rio Vista and Vacaville.

Submissions must be 8.5” x 11” in landscape orientation. Entries, with completed entry forms, can be submitted via email to ArtContest@ysaqmd.org or dropped off in person to the District office at 1947 Galileo Court #103 in Davis.

For more contest information, visit: ysaqmd.org/classrooms or email the District’s Public Information Officer, Brielle Jamros at BJamros@ysaqmd.org.