Since 2000, the MES Fund has awarded more than $600,000 in scholarships to over 325 AMI teacher trainees!
The MES Fund was established in 2000 by AMI/USA to honor Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson, who devoted her life to Montessori teacher training. The MES Fund is the first national financial aid fund to benefit AMI teacher trainees in the United States.
The MES Fund awards scholarships based on financial need in the form of tuition reduction. The fund ensures that qualified individuals seeking AMI teacher training can pursue their dreams, regardless of their financial circumstances.
AMI teacher training is offered at the following levels: Assistants to Infancy (ages birth to 3 years); Primary (ages 3-6), Elementary (ages 6-12) and Adolescent (ages 12-18). Those who wish to apply for an MES Fund financial aid award must be accepted to an accredited AMI Training Center in the United States. Application deadline is May 1st.
Our Mission
To provide financial aid for Montessori teacher training, support the vibrant community of Montessori educators who are committed to meeting the universal needs of the child and honor the legacy of Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson, who dedicated her life to training Montessori teachers in the United States.
Meet Our Team
The MES Fund Board of Directors and Advisory Council are proud to support the training of Montessori teachers and continue the legacy of Margaret Stephenson.
Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson is heralded as one of the greatest interpreters of the principles of Montessori education. In 1960, after studying with Dr. Maria Montessori and her son Mario Montessori, she initiated teacher training in the United States.
For almost 40 years, she conducted both Primary and Elementary training courses. She was a brilliant lecturer and an acclaimed national and international speaker.
The MES Fund was created to assure the continuance of the legacy begun by Miss Stephenson, the training of teachers.
- Accepted to an AMI accredited teacher training course in the United States
- U.S citizen or permanent U.S. resident
- Demonstrated financial need as evaluated by the College Board Scholarship Service (CSS) Financial Aid Profile
Priority consideration is given to applicants who:
- are assistants in an AMI school
- have worked in an Montessori school
- plan to teach in an AMI school following training
- hold a college degree
Applying for financial aid does not affect a student’s prospect for admission at an AMI training center.
The MES Fund Financial Aid Committee reviews all applications and notifies applicants of their award status upon receipt of the MES Application, the CSS Form and confirmation of acceptance to an AMI training center in the United States.
Applications are accepted January 1st – May 1st.
“The MES Fund scholarship has allowed me to complete training and earn my AMI diploma. I would like to provide greater Montessori access to communities of color. I will now have an opportunity to foster an environment where children and families take control of their own learning. I truly believe that learning through the Montessori lens will give families of color a form of healing. Thank you!”
— JAZMINE TOMES
“The MES Fund scholarship is a huge blessing in my life! Because of their generosity, I am able to follow my passion for teaching and pursue my AMI Elementary diploma. Now more than ever, inspiring teachers are needed and I am so excited to serve my community as an elementary guide.”
— ANNA MARTELL
Application Instructions
1. Complete the MES Fund Application.
2. Register with the College Board Scholarship Service (CSS), sign in and complete the Fall 2024 Financial Aid Profile.
There is a minimal fee assessed by the College Board to complete the Financial Aid Profile. Parent financial information is NOT required for independent students.
You must include the MES Fund, Inc. College Board ID Code (0186) when completing the Financial Aid Profile.
You cannot supply new information or update your Financial Aid Profile after it has been submitted.
After you complete the Financial Aid Profile you will receive an “acknowledgment” from CSS. This is your proof that you have completed this process; keep this copy for your records.
3. Enroll in an AMI Training Program. (Enrollment to be confirmed by the MES Fund).
Application Checklist
The MES Fund is celebrating 24 years of supporting Montessori teacher training. Since 2000, the Fund has awarded more than $600,000 in scholarships to over 325 AMI teacher trainees!
Your gift enables the MES Fund to provide financial aid to AMI teacher trainees, which broadens the access to AMI Montessori teaching as envisioned by Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson and her invaluable contribution to Montessori education. For your convenience, you can make a tax-deductible donation online or by mail.
DONATE ONLINE
DONATE BY MAIL
Your employer may sponsor a matching gift program. Please let us know if your gift will be matched and we will help you complete the process.
GIFT OF SECURITIES
Gifts of appreciated securities are a cost-effective and convenient way to give. Please let us know if you are interested in sending a gift of stock.
ESTATE PLANNING
If you would like to make a provision for the MES Fund in your estate plan, please contact us.
For more information regarding our financial aid award recipients and a full list of donors and Charter Members, please download our most recent annual reports.
THANK YOU
Your donation is tax deductible to the extent that is allowed by law.
Contact Us
Please email info@mesfund.org with questions.
MES Fund, Inc.
760 Hopmeadow Street
Suite 102
Simsbury, CT 06070