The Lasting Legacy Scholarship Application Process is Now Closed!

Scholarships for Emerging Leaders

2018 NAEYC Professional Learning Institute
June 10–13—Austin, Texas

NAEYC is pleased to offer six Institute 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 Institute registration, hotel accommodations, and a travel stipend (travel provided within the United States only). Previous scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply.

Applicants will be considered for these scholarships:

 Lasting Legacy Scholarships (four scholarships awarded)
New this year, all Lasting Legacy Scholarships will now include support for hotel and travel costs. 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 by giving them the opportunity to experience the professional learning and networking opportunities associated with NAEYC conferences. 

Diane Trister Dodge Lasting Legacy Scholarship (one scholarship awarded)
One Lasting Legacy Scholarship is designated as the Diane Trister Dodge Scholarship, honoring her contributions to the field.

NEW! Hal Kaplan Emerging Leader Scholarship (one scholarship awarded)
NAEYC gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the Kaplan Early Learning Company to support the newly created 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. 

Application Details

Applicants must complete and submit the online scholarship application and recommendation form by March 20, 2018, at 11:59 PM (ET). Applications that are incomplete or late will not be considered. Speakers, presenters, and vendors attending the Institute 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 2018 Professional Learning Institute 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 Institute experiences. 

When will I find out if I have received a scholarship? 
Applicants will be notified about the status of their applications by April 6, 2018.

If I applied for a scholarship, should I still register for the Institute?
Yes. If you plan to attend the Institute whether or not you receive a scholarship, you are encouraged to register early. This will allow you to take advantage of Early Bird Registration rates. If you receive a scholarship, NAEYC will reimburse your registration costs.

Whom do I contact if I have questions?
Please contact Cathy Kennedy at ckennedy@naeyc.org or 202-232-8777, ext. 8835, if you have additional questions.