The U.S. Department of Education has a Student Performing Arts Initiative (SPAI) and maintains an ongoing repository of student performing arts talent, which may be matched to specific events that amplify the mission and initiatives of the agency . It has received many talent submissions from far and wide and wants to make sure all states and territories are represented!
As such, the Department is issuing a 2024-25 Back-to-School call across the United States and its territories for student performing artists who are currently enrolled in institutions of elementary, secondary, or post-secondary education or accredited trade schools, who exemplify resilience, diversity, and excellence and are interested in showcasing their talent, virtually or in-person, at internal and external Department-hosted events.
The Department is seeking student performances such as, but not limited to, bands/marching bands, color guards, soloists, choirs, dancers, poets/spoken word artists, National Anthem singers, and theatrical performers.
It is also are seeking specific talent to support National Hispanic Heritage Month (September), National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October), National Native American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month (November), and the following Special Emphasis Observances implemented by Presidential Proclamation, Executive Orders (White House Initiatives) and Public Law:
January
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
February
African American History Month
March
Women’s History Month
April
Holocaust Remembrance Day
May
Jewish American Heritage Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
June
LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
July
Disability Pride Month
August
Women’s Equality Day
September – October
National Hispanic Heritage Month
October
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
November
National Native American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month
Please utilize this link, for additional information that includes frequently asked questions, submission instructions, and other related guidance.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete your submission and/or answer any related questions, please email studentart@ed.gov.