The Patty Morgan Scholarship

Awarded annually, this scholarship covers the costs of the VT-HEC Manuela Fonseca Early Childhood Program for one early childhood educator (ECE) or early childhood special educator (ECSE).

applications due EACH spring

Application Deadline: April 24, 2026

The Patty Morgan Scholarship was established in honor of Patty’s important contributions to VT-HEC and education in Vermont. As professional learning funds are limited for early educators, many of whom work in private settings, Patty requested that the scholarship be awarded to students in the Manuela Fonseca Early Childhood Program.

The Patty Morgan Scholarship benefits candidates who convincingly demonstrate and document:

  • A dedication to the success and well-being of young children in Vermont and
  • The motivation to successfully complete the program and become a superior professional in the early childhood field.

supporting early educators

The Patty Morgan Scholarship

Application Form

The Patty Morgan Scholarship covers the selected applicant’s VT-HEC tuition costs and fees not covered by other funding sources available to the applicant.

Questions? Email: [email protected]

To qualify for the Patty Morgan Scholarship, applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree.
  • Apply to a VT-HEC ECE or ECSE initial licensure or endorsement program.
  • Work at least 20 hours per week in an educational setting that serves children in the early childhood period (Infant to Grade 3).
  • Demonstrate financial need.

To continue as a Patty Morgan Scholar, the educator must:

  • Enroll in and successfully complete all courses, required educator testing, seminars, and field experiences for the licensure or endorsement program.
  • Maintain a minimum of a B in all program courses.
  • Commit to maintain and uphold ethical, professional practices in alignment with VT Model Code of Ethics for Educators (NASDTEC) and NAEYC’s Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators.
  • Apply for supplemental grant funding through the VSAC Short-Term Training Advancement Grant and TEACH programs (if eligible) within 30 days of being awarded the scholarship.

Complete the following before proceeding with your application:

  • Have your employer complete the Professional Learning Funding Statement, verifying the amount of funding they anticipate providing during the two-year licensure program.
  • Prepare a one-page essay or presentation using the following prompt:
    • What inspired your decision to become licensed or endorsed in ECE or ECSE? Why do you think you would make a good ECE or ECSE? Why are you applying for this scholarship?

You will be required to upload the following documents:


Apply Now

Who is Patty Morgan?

For nearly 20 years, Patty Morgan was integral to VT-HEC’s growth and accomplishments. As our Program Director she designed high quality, relevant, and research-based professional development opportunities for educators, as well as spear-headed VT-HEC’s expansion into multiple licensing endorsement areas.

Just before Patty retired in 2022, she shepherded VT-HEC through the process for state approval for both endorsement and initial licensing in special education, early childhood education, and early childhood special education.

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