Building Access, Mentorship, and Belonging
For many string teachers, ASTA is where they discover new teaching ideas, connect with colleagues, build lasting professional relationships, find mentors, and become more deeply engaged in the profession.
Unfortunately, many barriers (financial, family obligations, lack of administrative support, and others) prevent many teachers from participating in these opportunities.
The Community Catalyst Scholarship exists to lower those barriers and ensure more teachers have access to the experiences that shape careers and strengthen the future of string teaching, including:
- ASTA National Conference
- Virtual String Teachers Summit
- ASTA Mentor Program
- Community Catalyst Cohort
Every gift—regardless of size—helps remove barriers and expands access to professional growth opportunities that can have a lasting impact throughout a teacher’s career.
$1,000 funds one full scholarship experience.
We envision a future where barriers to access never prevent string teachers from participating in the professional development, mentorship, and community that help careers flourish. The Community Catalyst Scholarship Program is a step toward that future.
Together with donors, partners, volunteers, and scholarship recipients, we are building a sustainable program that will strengthen the string teaching profession for generations to come.
What's included?
- ASTA National Conference registration
- Three nights of hotel accommodations
- Pre-Conference Workshop registration
- Registration for the Virtual String Teachers Summit
- Participation in the ASTA Mentor Program
- Membership in the year-long Community Catalyst Cohort
Important Dates
- Applications Open: August 16, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
- Recipients Notified: October 28, 2026
- Virtual Cohort Meeting: January 2027
- ASTA National Conference: February 24–27, 2027, Chicago, Illinois
- Virtual Cohort Meeting: March 2027
- Virtual Cohort Meeting: April 2027
- Virtual Cohort Meeting: May 2027
- Virtual Cohort Meeting: June 2027
- Virtual String Teachers Summit: July 12-13, 2027
FAQ
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: The program is open to all educators interested in attending the ASTA National Conference who would benefit from financial assistance. Applicants from all teaching settings and career stages are encouraged to apply.
Q: Do I have to be an ASTA member to apply?
A: No, membership is not required to apply for a scholarship. However, all scholarship recipients are required to be/become members of ASTA to receive a scholarship.
Q: How are recipients selected?
A: Recipients are selected through an application and review process that considers financial need, potential impact, commitment to professional growth, and engagement with the Community Catalyst Cohort.
Priority consideration may be given to applicants who:
- Have never previously attended the ASTA National Conference
- Are “new to strings” (primarily a band/choir/general music/etc. teachers)
- Work in under resourced communities
- Represent varied teaching environments
- Represent geographic diversity
- Are early-career educators
-or-
- Bring perspectives currently underrepresented within the ASTA membership
Community Catalyst Committee
Special thanks to the inaugural Community Catalyst Committee for championing this important project!
Creston Herron, Co-Chair
Daniella Valdez, Co-Chair
Sam Tsugawa, Board Liaison
Amber Daniel
Jonathan Glawe
Eric Maine
Kristen Pellegrino