Doodle for Google 2026 Opens With New Theme and Expanded Prize Pool
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Google LLC has officially launched the Doodle for Google 2026 competition, inviting students from kindergarten through 12th grade across the United States to submit original artwork under a newly announced theme. The annual contest, which began accepting entries on March 1, 2026, will close on April 30, 2026, according to an official statement from the company.
What: The Doodle for Google 2026 contest challenges students to design a Google logo that reflects their personal vision. This year’s theme is “What I Hope for the Future,” encouraging participants to illustrate their aspirations for the next generation.
Who: Eligible participants include U.S. students in grades K-12, including those in U.S. territories and Department of Defense schools. Teachers and parents may assist with submissions for younger students.
When: The submission window opened on March 1, 2026, and closes at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on April 30, 2026. Winners will be announced in June 2026, with the national winner’s artwork displayed on Google’s homepage for 24 hours on a date to be determined.
Where: Entries are submitted online via the official Doodle for Google website, with a physical mail-in option available for schools or families without internet access.
Why: Google stated the competition aims to foster creativity and self-expression among young people, providing a platform for diverse voices to share their hopes and dreams. This year, the prize pool has been expanded to include a $30,000 college scholarship for the national winner, along with a $5,000 technology grant for their school.
How: Participants must create their doodle on a provided template, incorporating the letters G-O-O-G-L-E into their design. Judging will be based on artistic merit, creativity, and theme relevance, with finalists selected by a panel