Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Announces Performer Grants to Wheaton Area Elementary Schools at Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff Event

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

During a Hispanic Heritage Month event, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich announced a grant program open to Wheaton area elementary schools to provide cultural programming for students and families. Sponsored by the Wheaton Arts and Entertainment District and the Wheaton Urban District, the $2000 Arte y Alma grants can be used to host Hispanic cultural programs and defray the cost of professional performers. The grants will be available for programs during the 2025-26 school year. The program is designed to ensure students and families celebrate and experience the artistry, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic performers during assemblies or evening family programs. Funds are limited, and schools must apply for the grant. Performers must be of Hispanic heritage and convey elements of Hispanic culture. The grant program is a partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools.

In previous years, Wheaton celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a large public festival featuring music, dance, and cultural performances, as well as crafts and resources for the Hispanic community. To ensure the County's Hispanic community felt safe, a decision was made to encourage celebrations within schools. This school-based initiative educates and engages Wheaton's youngest residents and their families directly in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

"It is a sad reality that some of our neighbors are hesitant to attend the kinds of festive gatherings that should bring us together," said County Executive Elrich. "That will not deter us from celebrating and honoring our Hispanic and Latino residents, whose presence enriches our County in so many ways. I am grateful for the collaboration between Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Wheaton Arts and Entertainment District, which is working to give students and families an opportunity to experience the artistry and traditions of Hispanic culture. As we are living in a time when our President makes broad and often negative generalizations about our Hispanic and Latino communities, it is critical that our children are learning and respecting the contributions to our County's and nation's history."

"We are proud to partner with the Wheaton Arts and Entertainment District and the Wheaton Urban District on this opportunity," said Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, Superintendent of MCPS. "Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through authentic cultural performances and family resources reflects our commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming schools where every student can see themselves and their community in their learning."

In addition to the performance grants, the Wheaton Urban District will provide take-home packets. The packets include a craft project celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and resource information for immigrant families in Montgomery County. Materials will highlight services such as housing and food support, legal assistance, education, and access to health care.

Every student, regardless of cultural background, will receive a packet, ensuring that households across Wheaton have access to critical information and can share these resources with neighbors and friends. This approach strengthens the community's tradition of being welcoming, supportive, and neighborly.

To learn more about the initiative or to apply for the grant, visit wheatonmd.org.

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