A fundraiser by The Goddard School of Knoxville will provide up to 22 scholarships each year for students majoring in early childhood education at Pellissippi State Community College.
The Goddard Luau, held Aug. 24, raised $3,500, which the private preschool used to establish a scholarship and support program at PSCC. The program will fund $75 scholarships for early childhood education majors at Pellissippi State.
“We know how important the foundation of learning is, and we want to help give our community high quality early childhood educators,” said Anoula McCarren, co-owner of The Goddard School of Knoxville with her husband, Don. “The Goddard School uses the most current academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life.”
The Goddard School presented the $3,500 gift on Oct. 2. Future donations will be used for scholarships or early childhood education technology and program needs.
In order to qualify for one of these scholarships, students must:
- Major in early childhood education and enroll for a minimum of six hours;
- Complete a Foundation scholarship application;
- Demonstrate financial need; and
- Have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
Priority will be given to students in need of financial support of required fieldwork for the early childhood education program, such as the cost of background checks.
Pellissippi State offers both a certificate and an associate degree in early childhood education. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the program prepares students to deliver programming for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and primary-age children (birth through age 8) and their families.
Lesli Bales-Sherrod does marketing and writing for Pellissippi State Community College.