Awards & FellowshipsASTC Diversity and Leadership Development Fellowship Program

In October 2001, ASTC's Board launched a field-wide Equity and Diversity Initiative to attempt to bring balance in the disparity between the diversity of our society and the diversity of professional staff, audience, and board members of the science center field. The primary activity for addressing this disparity is the ASTC Diversity and Leadership Development Fellows Program, designed to support the professional growth and retention of professionals of color currently working in the field.

2000-2012 Conference Fellows

“The ASTC Conference Fellows program has been an incredible asset to our organization. Our first Fellow was accepted last year, and the increase in her confidence is tangible. Having a network across the country of emerging museum professionals has really energized her approach to her work. Her enthusiasm is creating a buzz around the museum for the Conference Fellows program. I hope we can look forward to many more Fellows from our institution in the future!”—Bill Watson, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution

To date, 120 science center professionals from 70 science centers and museums in the United States and Canada have participated in the program . In response to the ever-changing nature of equity and diversity issues, eligibility criteria have been expanded to include individuals with disabilities and LGBT professionals, as well as applicants from racial/ethnic minorities.

2013 New ASTC Fellows Application
(69 KB) | Need help?

2013 ASTC Alumni Fellows Application
(89 KB) | Need help?

Award information: Fellows receive free conference registration and a stipend of up to $1,000.00 to cover conference-related travel, lodging, and meals. Stipend is disbursed upon timely submission of all original receipts and required forms.

Eligibility: Individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply to the program:

• Identifies with one or more of the following underrepresented groups: racial/ethnic minority, LGBT or person with a disability
• Has been employed at present institution full-time for at least one year
• Holds a mid-level management position (i.e., non-entry level)
• Demonstrates a desire to advance her/his career in the science center/museum field
• Expresses an interest in supporting equity and diversity in the science center/museum field
• Has not attended an ASTC Annual Conference in the past three years

return to top