Education Overview

DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS® OFFERS A RANGE OF FUN ACTIVITIES TO INSPIRE STUDENTS TO HELP KEEP THEIR COMMUNITIES LITTER-FREE.

Use your writing skills to win tuition money, showcase your creativity in our annual art contest and download our new educational curriculum! Learn more about how to get involved and make an impact.

Don't Litter - Don't Mess with Texas

Educational Materials

Now educators from across the state can access educational materials that help bring awareness about anti-litter into their classrooms.  Don’t mess with Texas has partnered with Texas educators to create lesson plans and corresponding collateral materials for Pre-K, Elementary, Middle and High School grade levels.  Click here to see the materials.

Scholarships

2023 Scholarship

The Don’t mess with Texas® Scholarship Contest is now accepting applications for the 2023 school year. Any Texas high school senior currently attending public, private or home school and planning to attend an accredited Texas college or university in Fall 2023 semester is eligible to apply. To apply for the Don’t mess with Texas® Scholarship, visit https://texashighways.com/dont-mess-with-texas-scholarship-application/. Applications must be received via online submission by 5 p.m. (CST) March 31, 2023.

Can you keep Texas clean? Play Darrel's Litter Catch Game

Darrel the Barrel Litter Catch Game

Oh No! Litter is flying everywhere! Can you help Darrel pick up the trash and keep Texas clean? Drag Darrel across the screen and help him catch the trash before it goes on the ground and becomes litter. The more trash you get, the more points you get. Once you’re done, share your score with your friends and see if they can beat you.

Enter The "Don't mess with Texas" Mural Contest

Mural Contest

The 2019 Don’t mess with Texas Mural Contest, recognizes Texans who are passionate about preventing litter in their community. Texas residents of Baytown, Houston, and San Angelo and the contiguous counties who are 18 years of age and older may apply. This includes residents in the following counties: Tom Green, Coke, Concho, Irion, Menard, Reagan, Runnels, Schleicher, Sterling, Harris, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller. One winner will be selected from each of the three markets and will have their original artwork turned into a mural in their city. Winners will also receive a digital camera, an original Don’t mess with Texas® barrel with their winning artwork design, and Don’t mess with Texas swag, valued at approximately $1,100.