Scholarship and Grant Season is Here

SOPHIA TEGART, PRESIDENT, MU PHI EPSILON FOUNDATION, MU BETA PRESIDENT@MPEFOUNDATION.ORG

Now is the time to apply for Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation grants and scholarships! Most applications are due March 1, with summer scholarship applications due April 15. Visit our website to access the applications and watch videos on how to create successful applications and proposals.

The Foundation has added new scholarships and grants, so there is even more money available to the members of Mu Phi Epsilon! Last year was the first time we offered our new Music Educator Grants. The inaugural winners were Cassandra Eisenreich (Delta Mu), Kathleen Jung (Gamma Gamma, Oklahoma Alumni) and Brandon Barnett (Zeta Xi, Indianapolis Alumni).

Jung used the funds to purchase books and kits to teach in music in the elementary schools. She used these new resources to teach tempo, rhythm and drumming. “These resources and materials have already enhanced my students’ musical learning,” Jung said. “I can see a deeper understanding with being able to use new and exciting manipulatives during large and small group instruction.”

Barnett used his grant to help fund his program at the Tindley Accelerated Schools in Indianapolis. “With the Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation Music Educator Grant, I was able to load my wonderful scholars with essentials to their music endeavors,” he said. “I was able to provide my beginner classes with our Standard of Excellence books, as well as purchase basic and meaningful supplies such as reeds, valve oil, cork grease, neck straps, folders and percussion sticks! On top of all of that, I was able to purchase a few pieces of music for the semester!”

Eisenreich used funds to maintain a program that serves as outreach into her community. “The Slippery Rock University Early Childhood and Elementary Music Community Engagement Initiative is a program specifically designed for preschool through elementary age students,” she said. “Receiving this grant has allowed us to continue our program during uncertain times. We currently serve the Early Learning Connections Head Start Program where we are providing free music and movement classes with cross curricular themes that support physical, cognitive and social-emotional development.”

This funding was made possible by the Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation, but more importantly it was made possible because Jung, Barnett and Eisenreich took that extra step and applied. You can help sustain the future of music through your applications for any one of our scholarships. We are here for you. Apply, apply, apply!