About the Picture is Worth 1,000 Words Poster Contest

Each year, the Maryland Council on Economic Education (MCEE) invites Maryland students in grades K–8 to take part in the A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words Poster Contest. This classroom-based program helps teachers introduce and explore key economic and personal finance concepts with their students. After learning about topics such as scarcity, resources (natural, human, and capital), opportunity cost, producers and consumers, goods and services, savings and investing, taxes, markets, sources of income, and philanthropy, students create an original piece of artwork that demonstrates their understanding. From hundreds of entries across the state, 20 winning posters are selected annually, showcasing the creativity and economic knowledge of Maryland’s young learners. Winning posters are selected based on demonstration of understanding the selected concept as well as meeting all other submission requirements.

The 2027 Poster Submission Deadline is March 2027

Download this year’s rules and information

Download application

Maryland Comptroller, Brooke Lierman, Hosted 2026 Poster Contest Reception

The 2026 winning posters were exhibited in the Louis Goldstein Treasury building in Annapolis in the month of April. Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman hosted a reception in honor of the students and the poster exhibition.