Applications Available for Bonnie McBeth Scholarship

Current teachers taking graduate-level courses in early education are encouraged to apply for financial support through the Bonnie McBeth Early Learning Scholarship program.

The scholarship is available to any current teacher — both in and out of District 202.

Applications are available on the front page of the District 202 website under “News” and “Announcements”. Applications must be received by Sept. 12. The scholarship recipient will be announced no later than Sept. 26.

The winner will receive $1,500, to help pay for program costs associated with a university or certified early childhood program. The scholarship can be used to reimburse expenses already incurred, with proof of enrollment and payment to an approved program. Winners and applicants can re-apply annually.

This year’s scholarship can be used any time during the 2014-2015 fiscal year (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015).

The Bonnie McBeth Early Learning scholarship was created in May 2007. McBeth was District 202’s first kindergarten teacher in 1951. She retired from education in 1994 after 38 years. McBeth passed away in February 2014.

In 2001, District 202 named its new preschool/early childhood program the Bonnie McBeth Learning Center. McBeth donated $25,000 to endow the scholarship. The Bonnie McBeth scholarship is administered by the Foundation for Excellence, District 202’s private education foundation.

For more information, call District 202 Director of Community Relations Tom Hernandez at (815) 577-4008.