Our founder Paula Jorde Bloom built the McCormick Center, a thriving, nationally-recognized early childhood leadership organization, from an initial grant of just $600.
Paula’s legacy supports the competencies of early childhood program leaders and brings credibility to the important and complex role of program leaders, the “gatekeepers to quality” as she was known to call them.
Paula passionately advocated for a spotlight on these leaders because children and families depend on them. It is why Paula dedicated her life to bringing national attention to the critical role program leaders play in assuring high-quality early childhood education for children. While Paula’s devotion to improving early childhood professional standards is legendary, she also recognized that best-in-class professional learning requires financial support. After her passing in early 2018, Paula’s family established the Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship Fund to support emerging early childhood leaders who are dedicated to providing the highest quality care and education for children and families.
In 2019, two inaugural scholarships will be awarded for the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership’s upcoming Leadership Connections National Conference. This is the premier national conference for decision-makers and leaders in early childhood education, and brings together key stakeholders interested in early childhood leadership. Recipients of these scholarships will receive complimentary full-conference registration to Leadership Connections and lodging, valued at more than $1,100.
To apply for the scholarship, interested individuals must submit an online scholarship application that includes contact information and a written response to application questions.
Applications are due Monday, April 1, 2019 by 11:59pm (CDT).
The following questions can be found in the application <insert link>. Please respond in 250 words or less to each section below.
Applicants are encouraged to request a letter of support or recommendation from their current supervisor or a professional colleague. Letters from a supervisor should also include their support of the applicant in attending Leadership Connections. Letters can be submitted to Marleen Barrett at: marleen.barrett@nl.edu.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (Central Time) on April 1, 2019. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed for consideration. Speakers, presenters, vendors, National Louis University employees, and McCormick Center Advisory Board members are not eligible to apply.
A committee comprised of members of the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership Advisory Board and staff will review and consider all complete scholarship applications. The scholarship application review process will consider:
Recipients of the Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship are agreeing to participate fully in the 2019 Leadership Connections National Conference, including any specific events for award recipients. By applying, you are also agreeing to participate in photos or videos that the McCormick Center and the Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship Fund may use in future promotional, marketing, or educational materials. Awardees will also be expected to complete or participate in a reflection activity to share about their experiences attending Leadership Connections.
Please contact Marleen at marleen.barrett@nl.edu or (847) 947-5267 if you have any questions or need further information.