T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MINNESOTA is a scholarship program that helps early childhood and school-age care providers increase their levels of education, compensation, and commitment to the field by earning college credits and degrees. T.E.A.C.H. program recipient Patricia Monacelli recently shared the following story with us:

“Where do I even begin? T.E.A.C.H. literally changed my life. I remember over ten years ago sitting in a child care provider training at Mesabi Range Community College as an in-home child care provider with three young children. I went home and told my family I had heard about a scholarship opportunity and that I was thinking of going back to school. I applied for the program and was accepted. It has been a journey ever since.

I grew professionally and personally from each course I took online. As I continued getting financial support from T.E.A.C.H., I continued learning. I had to do practicum and was hired as a teacher at a child care center, where I eventually became a director. As I worked, I got A.A.S. degrees in Paraprofessional/Educational Aide and Early Childhood Special Education from Mesabi Range College. In the next few weeks I will graduate from Rasmussen college with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Leadership. I am also an instructor for online coursework at Mesabi Range College.

All of these things would have never happened if it were not for this amazing scholarship. I loved the journey and now look forward to helping expand child care availability in northeastern Minnesota. I recommend T.E.A.C.H. to my staff and other people by simply telling them how it changed my life.”

Learn more about T.E.A.C.H. scholarships, eligibility, and how to apply by visiting our T.E.A.C.H. webpage!