YOUNG ARTISTS DRIVE CHANGE: KIDS TAG ART PROGRAM SEEKS COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS FOR 2025-2026

Community Sponsors, Schools, and Families Invited to Support Young Artists

TAMPA, Fla., August 5, 2025 – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is proud to announce the launch of its 2025-2026 Kids Tag Art program, seeking community sponsors and encouraging elementary schools to participate in this unique arts education initiative.

Now in its fifth year, Kids Tag Art has transformed student creativity into community pride, raising over $143,000 for Hillsborough County school art programs while showcasing the talents of more than 3,000 fifth-grade artists. The program, brought to Hillsborough County by Tax Collector Nancy Millan in 2021, partners with Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Hillsborough Education Foundation to give students a unique opportunity to design custom license plates while learning about local government and public service.

“This program cannot be successful without our community partners,” said Nancy C. Millan, Hillsborough County Tax Collector. “Every year, we see incredible artistic talent from our students, and with the support of our sponsors, we’re able to turn that creativity into vital funding for arts education.”

Record-Breaking Growth The 2024-2025 program year saw unprecedented participation with 65 schools and 3,125 student artists, raising $38,518 for participating schools. Each school received approximately $592 to support their art programs.

Call for Sponsors Local businesses and organizations are invited to join current sponsors including Suncoast Credit Union, Tampa Electric Company, Derrick Brooks Charities, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and others. Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $25,000, with benefits including:

• Company logo on student-designed license plates
• Recognition at the annual awards ceremony
• Marketing visibility to over 70,000 Hillsborough County households
• Opportunity to select and present student awards

Schools and Teachers: Join the Movement All Hillsborough County elementary schools are invited to participate. The program kicks off August 4, 2025, with teacher orientation. Students will have dedicated time to sketch, outline, and color their designs throughout the fall, with winning artwork announced at the annual awards ceremony in April 2026.

Parents: Advocate for Arts Education Parents interested in bringing Kids Tag Art to their child’s school should contact their art teacher or school administration. Student artwork can be purchased as license plates, keychains, mugs, and more, with all proceeds benefiting school art programs.

The annual awards ceremony has become a highlight of the school year, bringing together students, families, educators, and community members to celebrate young artistic talent. Beyond individual school winners, special recognition includes the Tax Collector’s Choice Award, Title Sponsor Award, and Best Teacher Artwork Award.

For sponsorship opportunities or program information, visit https://hctc.cbmstage.com/kids-tag-art/.

To shop past student artwork, visit https://hctc.cbmstage.com/shop/.

About Kids Tag Art:

Kids Tag Art is a creative fundraising program that gives 5th-grade students the opportunity to showcase their artistic abilities by designing front vanity license plates. The program is a partnership between the Hillsborough County Tax Collector, Hillsborough County Schools, Hillsborough Education Foundation, and community sponsors.