County Launches Paint-a-Snowplow Program

It’s springtime, when middle-schoolers’ thoughts turn to … snowplows?

Well, maybe not. But it’s still time for middle schools in Lackawanna County to enter the 2024 Back to School Art Project: Snowplow Contest, a partnership between the Lackawanna County Department of Roads and Bridges and the Department of Arts and Culture.

All middle schools countywide are invited to submit a design for a contest to paint a Lackawanna County snowplow blade in the Fall of 2024 with original artwork to represent their school spirit. Six finalists will be selected to paint their design on a snowplow. The winning design will be selected through a public vote, which will start in the summer and run through November 1.

The six selected schools will receive a $250 stipend for paint supplies and the winning school will receive $500 for school art programs. Plows will be dropped off at the school in September and painting must be complete by October 15.

In addition to being visible when in service during the winter, the blades will be used to promote community involvement, as well as school spirit, and foster greater appreciation of public safety workers and school art programs. 

The idea was inspired by PennDOT’s Paint the Plow Program that began during the 2015-2016 winter season in Cambria County. In the years that followed, the program expanded into other areas of the state. Now an annual tradition, PennDOT encourages high schools throughout the state to participate in painting snowplows. 

Application and designs are due by May 17, 2024.

Applications are available by clicking here, or by contacting Alysia Scazafabo, Lackawanna County program coordinator at 570-963-6590 or scazafaboa@lackawannacounty.org