U.S. President Barack Obama is set to speak at an awards gala hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute later Wednesday, as the White House prepares to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

A White House statement says the president and vice president, along with their spouses and members of the Cabinet, will participate in events during the next month meant to showcase the impact Hispanics have on American life.

The events held between September 15 and October 15 are expected to focus on key issues such as jobs and the economy, healthy communities and families, and education.

Hispanics are the largest and fastest growing minority group in the United States, numbering 54-million people, including the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.