The Lasting Legacy Scholarship Application Process has closed.

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The application process for a Lasting Legacy Scholarship to attend NAEYC's Annual Conference is closed.
More than 240 early child educators applied for a Lasting Legacy Scholarship to the 2019 NAEYC Annual Conference, November 20-23, in Nashville, Tennessee.
NAEYC is reviewing applications and will offer 10 conference scholarships to aspiring attendees who can demonstrate their potential as emerging leaders in early childhood education.
Awardees will receive their conference registration, meals/hotel accommodations, and travel (within the United States only). This competitive application process is open to current NAEYC members. 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 our donors who made the program possible.
Applicants will learn of their status no later than September 5, 2019.
Applicants will be considered for these scholarships:
Lasting Legacy Scholarships (seven scholarships awarded)
All Lasting Legacy Scholarships will include travel, registration, room and board. Our goal is to develop a diverse cadre of emerging leaders within the early childhood field by giving our scholars the opportunity to experience professional learning and networking opportunities uniquely available at NAEYC conferences.
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 success of diverse, new voices in our industry. The company also 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 two years of experience in a management position and from a historically under-represented population.
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)
With this scholarship, we honor 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.
Recommendation Forms
Those applicants who advance to the second round of consideration will be asked to supply a recommendation. 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 within one week from the request. Applications that are incomplete or late will not be considered. Winners will be announced on or before September 5, 2019.
FAQs
What is the review process?
Applications are first reviewed by staff. Those applicants selected for further consideration are reviewed by the NAEYC Governing Board alumni. A select group from the second review will be awarded a scholarship. We consider the following criteria in the selection process:
- 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 two years are eligible for consideration for the Hal Kaplan Emerging Leader Scholarship.
How do I know if my application and recommendation form were received?
After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email from NAEYC. Similarly, if a recommendation is requested from you, your recommender will receive a confirmation when it is received.
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 2019 Annual Conference if you are selected, including events identified specifically for scholarship recipients.
Scholarship recipients are expected to participate in group photos and give permission to NAEYC for their image and names to be used 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 September 5, 2019.
If I applied for a scholarship, should I still register for the Annual Conference?
If you've already registered for the conference and then are selected to receive a scholarship, NAEYC will reimburse your registration costs. If you are not selected for a scholarship and the decision-making process extends beyond the deadline for Early Bird registration, a code will be provided so you can register for the conference at the discounted rate. Keep in mind, all registration and travel costs will be covered for selected scholarship recipients.
Whom do I contact if I have questions?
You may contact Christine Herrmann at cherrmann@naeyc.org or 202-350-8832 if you have additional questions.
Please note that it is wise to answer the more complex application questions in a separate Word document so you may edit and save your responses.
Who provides these scholarships?
People like you funded these scholarships!
More than 3,000 donors made gifts to make the Lasting Legacy Scholarships possible.
We invite you to help build ECE leaders by making a gift.