Bright Horizons is pleased to offer the Bright Futures Scholarship Awards that will be presented to Early Childhood teachers pursuing their Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Scholarship awards will range from $250 - $1000. Recipients must be enrolling in an accredited United States college or university for the September 2013 academic year. Verification of enrollment will be required. We reserve the right to review other financial aid candidates may receive when granting the scholarship. Scholarships over $550 will be awarded directly to the school. Non-traditional students, individuals making a career change, people of color and students who have experienced overcoming obstacles to obtain access to higher education and a career in early care and education are encouraged to apply.

Complete applications of non-winners will automatically be eligible for several local scholarships in the following areas: Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Individuals must live or attend school within these areas. These scholarships will range from $250 - $1000.

To be eligible for all scholarship awards, you must meet following requirements:

• Full-time enrollment in an accredited early childhood education or related degree program.
• Demonstrated potential as a teacher of young children under the age of 8 and have at least nine months of experience working with this age group.
• A consistent display of excellence as a standard in their educational coursework, especially in classes related to education/child development. Candidates must demonstrate achievement in their field-based experiences working directly with young children and their families.
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Minimum of 30 credits completed for Associate’s program, minimum 60 credits completed for Bachelor’s program or have been accepted in to a Master’s program at the time of submitting their application.
• Two recommendations (one professional and one educational). See Recommendation Form section below for more information.
• Submit a written personal essay via our online application of at least 500 words but not to exceed 800 words that focus on why you are passionate and committed to your education, including any obstacles you may have overcome to reach your goals to pursue your career in Early Childhood Education.
• Your latest transcripts which can be attached during the online application process, mailed, faxed or emailed.
• For United States College and Universities only.
• Individuals are only eligible for one scholarship award.
• The Bright Futures Scholarship program is not open to Bright Horizons employees.

Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Attn: Carley Casey
200 Talcott Avenue, South
Watertown, MA 02472
Email: brightfutures@brighthorizons.com
Fax: 617-673-8644

Two recommendations are required to complete your application. One college faculty recommendation (specific to an area of study in child development and early learning), and one from a professional in the field who has observed the candidate working with children within the age ranges of birth through age eight are required.

Note: If you are new to the field of ECE and you have less than the required minimum hours, a recommendation of someone who can comment on your skills in dealing with children is still required.

Recommendations with email:

• If you provided an email addresses for your references in your online application, then the system will automatically send them the recommendation form. You should follow up with your references to ensure they fill out the form and send it in by June 12, 2013.

Recommendations without email:

• If you did not provide email addresses for your references in your online application, you will need to send your references the Recommendation Form. Click here for a Recommendation Form (PDF). The recommendation form should be mailed, faxed or emailed and received by June 12, 2013.

Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Attn: Carley Casey
200 Talcott Avenue, South
Watertown, MA 02472
Email: brightfutures@brighthorizons.com
Fax: 617-673-8644

Recommendations must be written specifically for this Bright Horizons Family Solutions’ Scholarship program and include both the attached recommendation form and personal letter of recommendation.

Only complete applications will be reviewed.

• Personal History including:
  • Education
  • Honors, Awards and Achievements
  • Employment
  • Career Goals
  • Extra-Curricular Activities and/or Special Interests
  • General
• A typed personal essay of at least 500 words but not to exceed 800 words that focuses on why you are passionate and committed to your education, including any obstacles they may have overcome to reach their goals to pursue their career in early childhood education. You will have two ways to include your essay with your application: attach your typed essay to your application or fill it out directly in the section provided in the application. If you type and attach your essay, it will need to be typed in a standardized 12 pt. with your first and last name on every page of the essay.
• Résumé documenting work history that includes all prior work experience outside of working/volunteering with children.
• The name and contact information, including address, phone and email of two references for recommendations.

All correspondence regarding the scholarship program will be through email from brightfutures@brighthorizons.com You may also use this email address for any questions about the scholarship program. Please make sure to add this email to your safe email list.