Ideas worth spreading

How global virtual communities can help kids achieve their dreams

1,209,724 views | Matthew Garcia • TED Salon Bezos Scholars

How do we make historically exclusive fields like classical music, fine arts or academic research more accessible to everyone? Education equalizer and violist Matthew Garcia thinks one way to remove barriers is to create free, virtual education programs that connect talented young minds to the resources they need to thrive in their future careers. Learn more about the power of virtual nonprofits to overcome geographic borders and deliver opportunity -- and how you can help every kid reach their dreams.

How do we make historically exclusive fields like classical music, fine arts or academic research more accessible to everyone? Education equalizer and violist Matthew Garcia thinks one way to remove barriers is to create free, virtual education programs that connect talented young minds to the resources they need to thrive in their future careers. Learn more about the power of virtual nonprofits to overcome geographic borders and deliver opportunity -- and how you can help every kid reach their dreams.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Donate to Through the Staff to help every child access a high quality music education.

Donate to the Pre-College Research Institute to help support the training of the next generation of diverse and underrepresented researchers.

About the speaker

Matthew Garcia

Education equalizer

See speaker profile

Matthew Garcia works to provide free educational opportunities to students from underserved communities.

Thomas Wolf | Free Press, 2022 | Book

Managing a Nonprofit Organization

Thomas Wolf's book is an essential guide for effectively running virtual nonprofits, offering valuable insights and wisdom for leaders in various organizations. A go-to resource for Matthew, it proves indispensable when seeking advice or guidance in managing his own initiatives.

Juanita L. Merchant and M. Bishr Omary | Gastroenterology, 2009 | Article

"Underrepresentation of Underrepresented Minorities in Academic Medicine: The Need to Enhance the Pipeline and the Pipe"

Though primarily focused on academic medicine, Merchant and Omary's article underlines the broader economic benefits of cultivating a diverse pool of researchers. It emphasizes the importance of bolstering the pipeline for underrepresented high-school students seeking research careers.

Dr. Dennie Palmer Wolf, Henry Clapp, Dr. Steven John Holochwost, Matthew Garcia and Haeun Moon | WolfBrown, 2023 | Article

"With Freedom of Soul to Do and Be: A Longitudinal Study of Young Musicians in Carnegie Hall’s NYO2 Orchestra"

This insightful report highlights the transformative impact of reimagining traditional practices in competitive settings, like youth orchestras, to foster diversity and inclusion. The study stresses the need for deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion beyond mere optics, urging a shift in long-standing habits of selection, promotion and recognition.

Matthew Garcia and Nikki Naghavi | Through the Staff on Instagram, 2020 | Explore

"Let's talk about music education and the systemic racial inequities within it"

This viral Instagram post, shared in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder, underscores the persistent work required to dismantle barriers in access to classical music for historically underrepresented communities, particularly communities of color.

Lauren Bush, Emily Sanchez, and Matthew Garcia | Pre-College Research Institute, 2021 | Explore

"Why is PCRi necessary?"

Historically underrepresented communities face unique challenges in pursuing and persisting in academic research, ultimately resulting in less comprehensive and nuanced research outcomes. By addressing these disparities, we can work towards a more inclusive and innovative research landscape.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Donate to Through the Staff to help every child access a high quality music education.

Donate to the Pre-College Research Institute to help support the training of the next generation of diverse and underrepresented researchers.