The Brian White Early Childhood Associates Degree Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of former Michigan AEYC President, Brian White and his leadership in the classroom, as an administrator, as an advocate for children and families, and for those who work with young children.  The scholarship is meant to recognize and encourage students enrolled in associate degree programs who choose a career in early childhood education, working with, and on behalf of young children birth through age 8, to take leadership positions in the field.  The application and supporting materials must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm on February 1, 2025

The Award:

• A scholarship of $1000, disbursed in the fall.
• A 1-year membership in NAEYC and Michigan AEYC.
• A complimentary Michigan AEYC Early Childhood conference registration and one night of lodging the year of the award.
• An invitation to attend the Michigan AEYC Annual Membership meeting at the Early Childhood conference.

Qualifications:

• Applicant must be pursuing their first post-secondary associate degree.
• Applicant must have completed a minimum of 30 semester credit hours (or the equivalent) with six (6) credit hours in early childhood education by the start of the next academic year (August 2025).
• Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher overall, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher in early childhood education courses.
• Applicant must be pursuing an associate degree in one of the following areas:
  • Child Development (Family and Community Services, Children and Families, Child Care, Family Studies)
  • Early Childhood Education
• Applicant must be attending an accredited associate degree granting college or institution based in the State of Michigan. Out-of-state online or classroom programs are not eligible.
• Applicant must be available for a possible phone interview after submission of the application materials.

Application and Attachments: (Responses and attachments will be scored competitively based on completeness, accuracy, and quality of expression).

• Responses to questions – help the committee get to know you and understand your interest and commitment to the field of ECE with your thorough and engaging responses. Be sure to include details and influences on your thinking.
• Copy of all college transcript(s) (does not have to be an official copy)
  • Include one copy of a transcript from every college/university you attended
  • Each transcript must include the name of the school, name of the student, and class names and grades by semester/quarter
• Copy of current class schedule (and courses planned for Spring and Summer 2025 if applicable)
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals not related to the applicant.  Applicant should get permission for a possible follow-up phone call by the Awards Committee.
  • Each letter should include the writer’s full name and contact information as well as how they are connected to the applicant.
  • One letter must be from a faculty member who has taught the applicant in his or her class in the area of Child Development or Early Childhood Education.
  • One letter may be from a work or volunteer experience, or a second faculty member.

Review the scholarship scoring rubric here.