Cook County Launches Project Rainbow’s Back-to-School Bookmark Design Contest for 2025–26 School Year

Winners to be recognized as creating the official Cook County Bookmarks for the upcoming school year, will be presented with a Cook County resolution and receive Kindle Colorsoft Kids readers 

Chicago, IL — Cook County’s Emmy award-winning and free Project Rainbow initiative is launching its first-ever Bookmark Design Contest for the 2025–26 school year, inviting students in grades K–6 to unleash their creativity and demonstrate their love for reading or show their community pride.  

Starting Aug. 15, 2025, students in kindergarten through sixth grade are encouraged to submit their original bookmark designs inspired by themes of books, reading or community. Each student may submit only one entry, created independently, through the online entry form. Submissions will be accepted through 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. 

“We’re excited about engaging young people at the County, and Project Rainbow is an initiative that introduces youth to government in a creative way,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Having an official bookmark at the County is a great way to celebrate art by young people and encourage reading and civic participation.” 

The following are key details about the contest: 

• One winner will be selected in each of the two categories: Grades K–3 and Grades 4–6. Each winner will receive a Kindle Colorsoft Kids reader, and the winning design will be printed and distributed at the Cook County Building in celebration of National Book Month in October.  
• Winners’ artwork will also be featured as stand-up banners in the Cook County lobby and displayed on the Project Rainbow website. 
• Winners will be honored with a personal visit and recognition from Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and an official resolution commemorating their achievement.  
• Winners will be notified by email by Oct. 1, 2025.  

“This is our first ever bookmark contest and we’re excited to offer new ways to engage kids within the Project Rainbow universe,” said Project Rainbow Creator Nick Shields. “From new content in our app to new artwork from kids, our goal continues to be about inspiring kids, encouraging curiosity and contributing to their development.” 

 Project Rainbow, launched by Cook County to address early education inequities amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to inspire families through free early childhood programming and immersive learning initiatives. This contest underscores the initiative’s commitment to nurturing creativity, literacy and community engagement among the county’s youngest learners. 

To participate in the contest, visit: https://projectrainbow.cookcountyil.gov/bookmark. 

About Project Rainbow Project Rainbow is Cook County’s free, Emmy Award-winning learning initiative led by Board President Toni Preckwinkle, delivering educational media, early childhood programming and creative resources via County TV, a mobile app and partnerships with local cultural institutions. For more information about the contest or Project Rainbow, please visit https://projectrainbow.cookcountyil.gov.