The Lasting Legacy Scholarship Application Process is Now Closed!

Scholarships for Emerging Leaders

2018 Annual Conference
November 14–17—Washington, D.C.

NAEYC is pleased to offer eight conference scholarships to attendees who can demonstrate their potential as emerging leaders in early childhood education. This competitive application process is open to current NAEYC members. Awardees will receive complimentary conference registration, hotel accommodations, and a travel stipend (travel provided within the United States only). Previous scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply. 

Lasting Legacy Scholarships are funded by NAEYC's Building a Lasting Legacy Campaign to support the development of a diverse cadre of emerging leaders within the early childhood field. We thank them for their generous donations! 

Applicants will be considered for these scholarships:

Gera Jacobs Lasting Legacy Scholarship (one scholarship awarded)
This scholarship was established in memory of Gera Jacobs, President of NAEYC 2010-2012. Gera was a passionate advocate for young children, and a well-respected author and professor. This scholarship is awarded to an emerging leader - teacher, administrator or faculty member who shares Gera's passion for young children and the profession. 

Jerlean E. Daniel Lasting Legacy Scholarship (one scholarship awarded)
This scholarship honors Jerlean Daniel, President of NAEYC 1994-1996, NAEYC Executive Director 2010-2013, and current co-facilitator of the Black Caucus Interest Forum. This scholarship is targeted to emerging program administrators with strong interests in promoting equity and diversity. 

Hal Kaplan Emerging Leader Scholarship (one scholarship awarded)
NAEYC gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the Kaplan Early Learning Company to support the Hal Kaplan Emerging Leader Scholarship. Kaplan recognizes that elevating the field of early childhood education is dependent on the ambition and cooperation with diverse, new voices in our industry, and sees support of these rising stars as a promise to future generations of young learners. This scholarship is offered to emerging leaders in the field of early childhood education with fewer than 2 years of experience in a management position and from a historically under-represented population. 

Dylan Meyer Creativity Fund (one scholarship awarded)
A fund dedicated to the memory of Dylan Meyer in support of early childhood educators who are seeking resources to engage their students in a fun, innovative, and memorable activity where laughter is as contagious as learning. Dylan Meyer was a staff member from 2015-2018.  

Four additional Lasting Legacy Scholarships will be awarded. 

Application Details

Applicants must complete and submit the online scholarship application and recommendation form by September 28, 2018, at 11:59 PM (ET). Applications that are incomplete or late will not be considered. Speakers, presenters, and vendors attending the conference are not eligible to apply. 

Recommendation Details

Applicants are encouraged to request their recommendation from a supervisor or professional colleague as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for the recommendation to be completed and submitted. The recommendation must be received by the deadline to complete the application.  

FAQ

What is the review process?
Applications and recommendations are reviewed by members of the NAEYC Governing Board Alumni network. The reviewers will consider the applicants': 

• demonstrated commitment to the early childhood profession,
• likelihood of using the conference experience effectively, and 
• potential to make significant contributions to the early childhood profession as an emerging leader.

Only applicants who have been in early childhood program management positions for fewer than 2 years are eligible for consideration for the new Hal Kaplan Scholarship. 

How do I know if my application and recommendation form were received?
After you submit your application and recommendation form, you will receive a confirmation email from NAEYC.

If I am awarded one of the scholarships, what is expected of me?
By submitting an application, you are agreeing to attend the complete NAEYC 2018 Annual Conference if you are selected, including events identified specifically for scholarship recipients. 

Scholarship recipients are expected to participate in group photos that NAEYC may use in future promotional and marketing materials. Awardees are also expected to submit a written or video reflection about their conference experience. 

When will I find out if I have received a scholarship? 
Applicants will be notified about the status of their applications by October 10-12, 2018.

If I applied for a scholarship, should I still register for the Annual Conference?
If you've already registered for the conference and then selected to receive a scholarship, NAEYC will reimburse your registration costs. If you are not selected for a scholarship, an Early Bird rate registration code will be provided should you register for the conference. Keep in mind, all registration and travel costs will be covered for selected scholarship recipients.    

Whom do I contact if I have questions?
Please contact Makisha Noël at mnoel@naeyc.org or 202-350-8832 if you have additional questions.