Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) is pleased to announce that it has received grant funding through the Miss Judy Hopson Arts Fund and the NPL&E Permanent Fund of the Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF) to develop a new, modern website that will better serve students, families, patrons, donors, volunteers, and the broader community.
The new website is being developed with accessibility, usability, and long-term sustainability at its core. Designed to meet current ADA accessibility standards, the site will provide a more welcoming online experience for individuals of all abilities while making it easier for visitors to learn about MVAA’s programs, register for classes, support the organization, and stay informed about performances, events, and community initiatives.
In addition to improving the user experience, the new website will feature enhanced online giving capabilities and streamlined administrative tools that will help MVAA operate more efficiently. The donor-centered design will simplify online donations while improving registration, communications, and information sharing with students, instructors, families, and community partners.
“This investment represents much more than a website upgrade,” said Annette Buffer, President of Mon Valley Academy for the Arts. “It is an investment in accessibility, inclusion, and the future of our organization. We are grateful to the Washington County Community Foundation, the Miss Judy Hopson Arts Fund, and the NPL&E Permanent Fund for recognizing the importance of making the arts more accessible while helping us build the technology we need to better serve our community. We invite everyone to follow our progress, participate in our programs, and continue supporting the work that makes arts education available to people of all ages.”
The new website is expected to launch later this year as part of MVAA’s broader organizational growth strategy. The organization continues to expand its educational programming, strengthen community partnerships, and invest in the infrastructure needed to serve more students throughout the Mon Valley and surrounding region.
One of MVAA’s highest priorities is the continued growth of its EARS (Empower a Rising Star) initiative, which provides scholarships for private music instruction to students who might otherwise be unable to participate. Through EARS, young musicians gain access to high-quality instruction, performance opportunities, and the lifelong benefits of arts education regardless of their financial circumstances.
To support the continued expansion of the EARS scholarship program, Mon Valley Academy for the Arts will participate in WCCF Gives on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Community members will have the opportunity to help fund scholarships that provide a full year of private music instruction for local students. Every contribution helps remove financial barriers and ensures that more children and families have access to affordable, high-quality arts education.
“We are continuing to grow because our community continues to believe in our mission,” Buffer said. “We hope everyone will join us on September 10 during WCCF Gives as we work to expand the EARS scholarship program and create even more opportunities for students to discover the power of music and the arts.”
Mon Valley Academy for the Arts extends its sincere appreciation to the Washington County Community Foundation and the generous donors whose support through the Miss Judy Hopson Arts Fund and the NPL&E Permanent Fund continues to strengthen arts and culture throughout the region.
About Mon Valley Academy for the Arts
Mon Valley Academy for the Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality arts education and cultural programming for individuals of all ages throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. Through private instruction, performance ensembles, community programs, scholarships, and partnerships, MVAA works to ensure that the arts remain accessible to everyone.