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Sistema Utah seeks $250,000 one-time to bridge expiring federal grants and continue free youth music programming
Summary
Representatives for Sistema Utah told the subcommittee their federal and state grants are ending and the nonprofit requests a one-time $250,000 appropriation to maintain music, instrument and wraparound services for low-income students while it restructures long-term funding.
Trina Christiansen, co-director of Sistema Utah, and founder Howard Headley told the subcommittee that the after‑school program provides free, daily ensemble music instruction and wraparound supports to students and families and is now in transition as federal and state grants expire.
"Systema Utah provides the following at no cost to students and families, group instrumental classes including access to instruments, singing and general music instruction, intensive homework and academic support, healthy snacks throughout instruction, 15 hours of programming per week," Trina Christiansen said, describing the program model. She told the committee the program serves 450 K–12 students across two sites, employs more than 30 teaching artists and staff, and serves families where 63% are below the federal poverty level.
Howard Headley, founder, said the program has relied on federal grants for 12 years and is now asking for a one‑time $250,000 appropriation while it re‑engineers funding sources. "Our federal grant is expiring... we are here to ask for 1 time $250,000 1 time as we reengineer our funding mechanism to maintain this program," Headley said. Presenters said they have secured increased local funding and are pursuing private donations, but they want a bridge grant to avoid disrupting services.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about program operations and local support; a committee member who visited the program described it as impactful. The subcommittee did not take a formal action on the request during the session’s presentations.
