Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship for Leadership Connections™ National Conference 2026
Scholarship Applications are due by February 2, 2026.
About the Scholarship
The Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship Fund, first awarded in 2019, is intended to support emerging and aspiring early childhood leaders who are dedicated to providing the highest quality care and education for children and families. The scholarship was established by Paula’s family after her passing in 2018 and highlights her legendary devotion to improving early childhood professional standards.
One scholarship for the McCormick Institute's 2026 Leadership Connections National Conference will be awarded. Leadership Connections is the premier national conference for decision-makers and leaders in early childhood education. The conference brings together dedicated professionals interested in early childhood leadership.
The recipient of the scholarship will receive a complimentary full-conference registration to Leadership Connections 2026, meals provided to conference registrants, and up to three nights lodging at the conference hotel.
Submit your online application by 11:59 PM (CDT) Monday, February 2, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the application questions?
- Please describe your current work as an emerging or aspiring leader in Early Childhood Education and explain how attending Leadership Connections will strengthen your leadership skills in Early Childhood Education? Please describe and give specific examples.
- How do you currently advocate for young children and their families? Please provide specific examples of initiatives that brought in resources that supported positive outcomes achieved through your advocacy activities.
- The Leadership Connections tracks are based on the Whole Leadership Framework. Which domain (leadership essentials, administrative leadership, or pedagogical leadership) do you identify as the one where you have the most growth potential? Please explain why you have chosen that specific domain.
- Describe a new skill that you learned in another training or conference. How has that skill impacted your work with young children and families?
Is there a limit to the length of responses to the application questions?
Responses are limited to 1800 characters (approx. 250-350 words) for each bulleted question above. Please read the questions carefully. For each, you will be asked to give specific examples to demonstrate experience, knowledge, and a desire to grow in your leadership development.
Do I need a recommendation letter?
Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to include a letter of recommendation from someone familiar with their work in early childhood education. You can upload the letter of support with your application, or you can email your letter by the application deadline, February 2, 2026, to Cassandra Ibarra: LeadershipConnections@nl.edu
How are scholarship awardees selected?
A committee composed of McCormick Institute for Early Childhood staff will review and consider all complete scholarship applications.
When will recipients be notified of their scholarship award?
The scholarship recipient will be notified via email and receive a call from Lisa Downey, Executive Director of the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood, by February 18, 2026
All applicants will be notified of their status via email by February 18, 2026.
What are the application questions?
- Please describe your current work as an emerging or aspiring leader in Early Childhood Education and explain how attending Leadership Connections will strengthen your leadership skills in Early Childhood Education? Please describe and give specific examples.
- How do you currently advocate for young children and their families? Please provide specific examples of initiatives that brought in resources that supported positive outcomes achieved through your advocacy activities.
- The Leadership Connections tracks are based on the Whole Leadership Framework. Which domain (leadership essentials, administrative leadership, or pedagogical leadership) do you identify as the one where you have the most growth potential? Please explain why you have chosen that specific domain.
- Describe a new skill that you learned in another training or conference. How has that skill impacted your work with young children and families?
Is there a limit to the length of responses to the application questions?
Responses are limited to 1800 characters (approx. 250-350 words) for each bulleted question above. Please read the questions carefully. For each, you will be asked to give specific examples to demonstrate experience, knowledge, and a desire to grow in your leadership development.
Do I need a recommendation letter?
Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to include a letter of recommendation from someone familiar with their work in early childhood education. You can upload the letter of support with your application, or you can email your letter by the application deadline, February 2, 2026, to Cassandra Ibarra: LeadershipConnections@nl.edu
How are scholarship awardees selected?
A committee composed of McCormick Institute for Early Childhood staff will review and consider all complete scholarship applications.
When will recipients be notified of their scholarship award?
The scholarship recipient will be notified via email and receive a call from Lisa Downey, Executive Director of the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood, by February 18, 2026
All applicants will be notified of their status via email by February 18, 2026.
Beca Paula Jorde Bloom para la Conferencia Nacional Leadership Connections 2026
Fecha límite de cierre: 2 de febrero de 2026
Sobre la beca
La beca Paula Jorde Bloom, entregada por primera vez en 2019, está diseñada para apoyar a nuevas y futuras líderes en el campo de la primera infancia que estén comprometidas con ofrecer una atención y educación de la más alta calidad para niños y familias. La familia de Paula creó esta beca después de su fallecimiento en 2018, y con ella se reconoce su gran dedicación a mejorar los estándares profesionales en la educación infantil.
La beca se aplicará a la
Conferencia Nacional Leadership Connections 2026 del Instituto McCormick. Leadership Connections es la conferencia nacional más importante para líderes y tomadores de decisiones en la educación infantil. Este evento reúne a profesionales comprometidos con el liderazgo en la primera infancia. La persona que reciba la beca obtendrá una inscripción completa y gratuita a Leadership Connections 2026, desayuno y almuerzo incluidos para quienes se registren en la conferencia, y hasta tres noches de alojamiento en el hotel sede.
