At the Ashokan Center, we believe that access to meaningful learning experiences should never be limited by financial barriers. Our Pay It Forward Scholarship Program exists to ensure that gigging musicians, singers, dancers, and arts instructors can continue to grow, learn, and build community through our Music & Dance Camps — and 2025 was an inspiring year for this program.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters, the Pay It Forward Scholarships made a powerful impact:

  • $24,917 total awarded

  • $19,317 toward tuition and meals

  • $5,600 toward lodging

  • 38 scholarships awarded

  • 36 unique recipients

  • 12 different camps impacted

These scholarships helped artists from across traditions and regions take part in immersive, community-centered experiences — deepening their skills, strengthening their networks, and bringing new energy back to the communities they serve.

Each Pay It Forward award represents more than financial assistance. It represents a shared belief in the power of music, dance, and creative exchange to transform lives, sustain traditions, and build a more connected world. When artists are supported, the ripple effects reach far beyond Ashokan — into classrooms, jam circles, community halls, and stages across the country.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to keep this momentum growing. With your help, we can expand the Pay It Forward Scholarships in 2026, supporting even more campers and funding even more scholarships for the artists who give so much to their communities.

Our mission guides this work every day:

To inspire learning and build community through shared experiences in nature, history, music, and art.

Together, we can ensure that these shared experiences remain accessible, welcoming, and transformative for generations to come.

Our mission guides this work every day:
To inspire learning and build community through shared experiences in nature, history, music, and art.

Want to be part of this impact?
Reach out to Sara Trapani, Development Director, to learn how you can support the Pay It Forward Scholarship Fund and help remove financial barriers for artists and educators. Together, we can ensure these life-changing experiences remain accessible to all.

sara.trapani@ashokancenter.org

845-706-3668 (C)

845-657-8333 x15 (P)