Thanks to the generosity of NAMM, we are looking for schools, school districts, and communities with the following characteristics to participate in this new grant program:

• Teachers, Administrators, and Parental/Community support for starting an after-school string program
• Located in communities where we can foster long-term relationships with the administration and community members in order to build a sustainable program
• Have the potential to assume financial and administrative support for the program as it matures and becomes viable
• Communities with local businesses and/or individuals who demonstrate an interest in partnering with the program, including the potential to help with the procurement of instruments or other material needs
• Willingness to provide physical space for lessons, support for scheduling, and other related structural needs.

ASTA will provide assistance in setting up the program's structure, including hiring local teachers, and identifying local support for the purchase or rental of instruments.  We will also provide three days of professional training to the selected teacher by experts in the field of urban music education, as well as a personal mentor who will work with you both on-site and over the phone and via email as you get up and running.

If you feel you are in a position to work with ASTA on this exciting new venture, please contact Deb Bissen, ASTA Foundation and Advocacy Coordinator, outlining why you think your location is the right place for us to launch this program, and how we can work together to help meet a community need. Her email address is deb@astaweb.com.

We look forward to hearing from you, and are excited to get started on a project that we hope leads to the development of similar programs in many school districts across the country.