Awards, Scholarships and Grants
To nominate someone for an award online, click the "nominate someone" link below the award description, complete the online form, and submit. NOTE: Some nominations will require you to upload a document containing qualifications for the nomination. Awards with an asterisk (*) must be completed on paper and mailed in to the Executive Director.
DEADLINE to apply for all Grants and Scholarships has been extended to November 10th.
Kevin Swick Family & School-Community Partnership Award*
This award is to be given annually to honor the memory of Dr. Kevin Swick and his lifelong work in the field of family/school-community partnerships. Dr. Swick spent his career helping educators design and support family engagement programs at the local level. This award would recognize early childhood individuals or programs, which demonstrate exemplary family and community partnerships. The award funds can be used to support ongoing or innovative practices in this area. The recipient does not need to be a member of SCECA to receive the award. The recipient will receive a check for $250.00 and a framed certificate.
Mentoring Award
The SCECA Mentoring Scholarship is open to a deserving current member of SCECA. The award is given to a person for being a mentor to other early childhood students or educators within South Carolina.
Early Childhood Grant*
The Executive Board approved funding for SIX $1000 grants. These grants will be awarded at the SCECA Conference. All members of SCECA are eligible to apply for the Early Childhood Grant. A person can apply individually or collectively for a center or classroom. Where you work or what your job is will not affect who can apply. All applicants will be considered equally. The recipient must be a current member of SCECA to receive the award and must be present at the conference and attend a Grants Workshop on Saturday. A recipient can only win this award once every 5 years.
Attendance Scholarship
The SCECA Attendance Scholarship is awarded to a current SCECA member who needs help with finances to attend the SCECA Conference. The award is a check for $300.00 to help pay for registration and hotel costs. The award will be given at the conference. Not eligible to any current member of the SCECA Board of Directors.
Conference Scholarship
First Time Attendee
The SCECA Conference Scholarship is awarded to a current SCECA member who is attending the SCECA Conference for the first time. The award is a check for $250.00 to help pay for registration and hotel costs. The award will be given at the conference.
Education Scholarship*
The SCECA Education Scholarship is open to a deserving current member of SCECA. Scholarship applicant must be an individual who provides for the welfare and education of young children in South Carolina.
Student Group Start-up Grant
The SCECA Student Group Start-Up Grant is open to Early Childhood Advisors who want to establish a professional membership group affiliated with the South Carolina Early Childhood Association on their high school or two/four year college/university campus.
Student Group Travel Grant
This award is available to all current student group members of the South Carolina Early Childhood Association (SCECA) who are interested in attending the SCECA Conference.
Honorary Awards
Rhonda Corley Friend of Children Award
This award is to be given annually to an outstanding South Carolinian who is a strong advocate for the needs of South Carolina’s children. The recipient does not have to be a member of SCECA to receive the award.
Rosemary Althouse Higher Education Award
This award is to be given annually and will recognize outstanding research, service, or teaching in higher education related to Early Childhood Education and Developmentally Appropriate Practice. The recipient does not need to be a member of SCECA to receive the award.
Jeanne Greene Administrator’s Award
This award is given annually to an outstanding person who serves in an administrative position who works for the needs of South Carolina’s children. The recipient must be a current member of SCECA and work with public, private or church related centers.
Saundra Ground Educator’s Award
This award is given annually to an outstanding educator (childcare worker, teacher, teacher assistant, etc.) who works with children in South Carolina. The recipient must be a current member of SCECA.
Noelle Patrick McInerney Student of the Year Award
This award is given annually to a deserving student of Early Childhood Education. The recipient does not have to be a member of SCECA to receive the award. One year’s membership is also included in this award.
Outstanding District Member Award
Nominated by each District President.