ASTC 2022: What's Next

Financial Support

ASTC 2022 Annual Conference
September 12–15, 2022
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

ASTC endeavors to make the conference as accessible as possible. We have held registration rates generally to 2019 levels and secured discounted rates at our official conference hotels.

But we understand that some will have limited financial resources and are making available several opportunities to receive financial support to participate in ASTC 2022:


Todd Happer Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Todd Happer Memorial Scholarship Fund enables current and emerging leaders at small or remote science centers and museums to attend the ASTC Annual Conference—one of the premier professional development opportunities for this field. This Fund will provide registration as well as a stipend for travel, lodging, and per diem to staff members at ASTC-member institutions who do not otherwise have the funds to attend the ASTC Annual Conference.

The Scholarship award is intended to support professionals who have genuine need for financial assistance in order to attend conference.  

Eligible individuals must currently be in a leadership position at an ASTC-member science center or museum (open or in development) within the United States that meets one or more of the following criteria: 

  • Science Center and Museum member in good standing, with an annual operating income of less than $500,000* 
  • Science Center and Museum member in good standing, located in a rural/non-metropolitan area** 
  • Allied member in good standing, that is a new emerging science center or museum not yet open to the public

*Annual operating income includes all earned revenue including gross revenue from all museum operations, all private and public (government) support, all restricted and unrestricted grants, and all interest and endowment income. 

**Rural/Non-metropolitan areas referred to in this application are determined using the USDA 2013 Rural-Urban Continuum Codes, defined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) official metro and nonmetro categories. View the list of eligible rural/non-metropolitan areas. 

The application period closed on Friday, July 15, 2022.


Lee Kimche McGrath Worldwide Fellowship

The Lee Kimche McGrath Worldwide Fellowship supports participation in the ASTC Annual Conference by individuals from science centers and museums outside the United States. The purpose of the Fellowship is to foster greater understanding among international colleagues and encourage global participation in ASTC. The Fellowship was established in 2004 with a gift from ASTC’s first executive director, Lee Kimche McGrath, who died in 2002. 

The Fellowship award is intended to support professionals who have genuine need for financial assistance in order to attend conference. An individual from a science center or museum (open or in development) outside the United States may submit an application. 

Preference will be given to applicants: 

  • Whose institution is not normally in a position to afford to send a representative to an ASTC conference 
  • Whose participation will benefit other science centers in addition to their own 
  • Who have limited opportunities to meet professionally with science center colleagues 
  • Who are willing to participate in a conference session or write about their experience or institution for an ASTC publication 
  • Who are from ASTC-member institutions (not required) 

The application period closed on Friday, July 15, 2022.


Student Registration

Full-time students are welcome to register for the full conference at a discounted rate of $335. A valid student ID and/or proof of enrollment is required at the time of registration.


Additional Support

If you do not meet the criteria for any of these opportunities but are still unable to attend, please contact us at conference@astc.org to discuss how we can help facilitate your participation.

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