The U.S. Department of Education (USED) has a Student Performing Arts Initiative and maintains an ongoing repository of student performing arts talent, which may be matched to specific events that amplify the mission and initiatives of USED.

As such, USED is issuing a 2024-2025 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 USED-hosted events.

USED 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. 

USED is also seeking specific talent to support National Hispanic Heritage Month in September, National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, National Native American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month in 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 the U.S. Department of Education Nationwide Call for Student Performing Artists webpage 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