The Department of Public Safety is inviting Missouri fifth graders to participate in the annual National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest to help children learn about staying safe and to raise awareness of missing children.

The national winner and his/her parents and teacher will be invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 41 annual National Missing Children’s Day Ceremony on May 22, 2024. Transportation and lodging will be provided.

One fifth grader from Missouri will be selected as the state winner. That student’s poster will be submitted to the national competition. In addition, the state winner will receive a national award certificate from the U.S Department of Justice, the sponsor of the contest.

You can download the application kit by clicking here.

Contest Rules:
-Applicants must be in the fifth grade.
-Artwork should reflect the theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” This phrase must appear somewhere on the poster.
-The theme may be depicted in the student’s artwork through one, or a combination of, illustrations (e.g., signs and symbols, people, abstract, industry, wildlife) and can be created using media such as acrylics, watercolor, pencils, charcoal, magic markers, spray paint, crayons, and pastels. Digitally produced images, collages, cut-outs, and stamping will not be eligible for consideration.
-The finished poster must measure 8½ x 14 inches.