ASTEF – Dare to Dream / ACT

Alpha State Texas Educational Foundation

Presentation for Regional Conference, 2026

What is ASTEF?

• Alpha State Texas Educational Foundation (501c3 public charity)
• Funding arm of Texas State Organization of DKG
• All TSO members are automatically ASTEF members

Mission of ASTEF

• Support professional and personal growth of women educators
• Promote excellence in education across Texas
• Provide funding for scholarships, leadership, and projects

History & Purpose

• Established in 2010
• Created to expand fundraising and grant opportunities
• Supports innovative educational initiatives statewide

Three Core Program Areas

• Scholarships
• Leadership Development
• Projects & Grants

Scholarships

• Supports advanced degrees/certifications and lifelong learning
• Educational travel and mini-grants
• Managed and distributed through the TSO scholarship committee. Funding provided by ASTEF

Leadership Support

• Funds leadership seminars and speakers at TSO events
• Training – Leadership Seminar builds leadership capacity of 30 women educators every other year (apply in odd years)
• Supports state and regional leadership training

Projects & Grants

• Project stipends for chapters, councils, and individuals
• Supports educational endeavors benefiting Texas students and educators
• Examples: classroom, mentoring, or community projects
• Encourages innovation in education
• In 2012, the first Project Stipends were awarded in the amount of $1,000.
• At the 2025 Denton convention, $38,376.10 in project stipends were awarded

Aspiring Educator Grants

• Supports women completing teaching degree or Texas Certification
• Applicants are sponsored by DKG members
• Encourages future educators into the profession
• Open to women in Texas who are not DKG members
• Collegiate members may apply

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Thank you�In 2025, ASTEF has

• awarded $6,000.00 in grants to aspiring educators,
• involved 215 women educators in a leadership event at state convention, 
• awarded $38,376.10 in project stipends to benefit Texas students and teachers,​
• funded $13,725.00 in scholarships,
• provided leadership training for 30 professional educators.
• Total awarded = $58,101.10

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How Projects Change Lives

• Supports students and teachers directly
• Builds community partnerships
• Encourages creativity and innovation

How Members Can Participate

• Apply for scholarships and grants
• Submit project proposals
• Sponsor aspiring educators
• Attend leadership events

Giving to ASTEF

• Donate
• Donate button on website
• Use a contribution form
• One-time and recurring donations
• Tribute and memorial gifts
• Planned giving and legacy gifts
• All contributions are tax-deductible

Recognizing Donors

• Honors generosity of members
• Supports future educators
• Builds lasting educational impact

How ASTEF Aligns with DKG

• 2025-27 ASTEF THEME: DREAM BIG & ACT
• 2025-27 ASTEF Biennium Goals�A - Advance our mission �C - Connect with members, Cultivate leadership, skills, and relationships �T - Transform through innovation

Important Deadlines

• Aspiring Educator Grants – March 1
• Project Stipends – April 1
• TSO Scholarships – March 1

Getting Started

• Visit astef.org
• Forms tab
• Explore applications and guidelines
• Share ideas with your chapter

Dare to Dream / ACT

• Dream big for educators and students
• Act through scholarships, leadership, and service
• Transform lives through ASTEF

Discussion & Questions

• How can your chapter participate?
• What projects could ASTEF support?

Contact Information

• Alpha State Texas Educational Foundation
• Website: www.astef.org
• My name is: ___________________, ASTEF Director
• Email address:
• Phone number:

Thank You!

• Thank you for supporting educators in Texas
• Together we Dare to Dream and ACT

Discussion Prompt – Getting Involved

• How has your chapter supported educators this year?
• Which ASTEF program could benefit your chapter or community? (program ideas are on the ASTEF website under the Resources tab)
• What questions do you have about applying or giving?

Discussion Prompt – Impact

• What type of project would make the biggest difference in your area?
• Who could you encourage to apply for a scholarship or grant?

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• Has anyone received a project stipend?
• Please share your project with the group.

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End‑of‑Session Activity: Dream / ACT / Commit

• DREAM: Write one dream you have for educators or students in your chapter or community.
• ACT: Write one action you can take this year through ASTEF (apply, sponsor, give, or share).
• COMMIT: Turn to a partner and share your dream and one action step.