Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15 - October 15

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Here are some Web sites to help you and your students learn more about the history and culture of Hispanic people and some resources on teaching and learning:

History & Culture

» What Are Hispanics? -- This Web site explores the contributions of Hispanics and provides biographies of famous Hispanics.

» Making a Difference in Our Communities and Our Nation -- Historic locations, properties, parks, and previous celebrations that tell the story of Hispanic people in the United States. Resources from the National Park Service.

» Hispanic Heritage -- This site provides a list of links to sites on such topics as Spanish languages, services to the Hispanic community, and Hispanic Online.

» History Channel's Hispanic Heritage Month  -- Video clips, teaching materials, recommended links, and program information to celebrate the month.

Teaching, Learning, & Scholarships

» Minority Community Outreach: Hispanics -- Information about the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the United States. This NEA Web area offers information about providing a quality education for every child, regardless of race or ethnicity.

» Focus on Hispanics 2004-2005 (  149 KB) -- NEA's paper on closing the achievement gap for Hispanics. Covers instructional issues, current strategies, policy implications, and community involvement. From NEA series on barriers to learning and resources to break them down.

» Bilingual Booklist/Recomendada Lectura  -- NEA's Read Across America compiled these 65 titles for K-12, including poetry, folktales, stories of contemporary life.  See more on celebrating Hispanic heritage.

» Scholarships for Hispanics -- This Web site offers guidelines for Hispanic students seeking financial aid for higher education. The site was launched by NEA & Hispanic Press Foundation.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a national observance authorized by Public Law 100-402. The observation was initiated in 1968 as National Hispanic Heritage Week but was expanded in 1988 to include the entire 31-day period.