MES Fund Financial Aid Award for AMI Teacher Training

MES Fund Financial Aid Award for AMI Teacher Training

Overview:
The Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson (MES) Fund has provided over 375 scholarships to AMI teacher trainees totaling $894,000 in financial aid since 2000. The fund was established to honor Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson, who devoted her life to Montessori teacher training and is the first national financial aid fund to benefit AMI teacher trainees in the United States.

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.

Geographic Scope:
United States only

Focus Areas:
Financial aid for AMI teacher training at the following levels:

Award Type:
Scholarships in the form of tuition reduction (disbursed directly to the training center to reduce tuition)

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

Priority Consideration

Priority consideration is given to applicants who:

Important Notes

• Applying for financial aid does NOT affect a student's prospect for admission at an AMI training center
• Individual's demonstrated financial need does not guarantee that aid will be awarded
• The MES Fund Financial Aid Committee reviews all applications using College Board Scholarship Service (CSS) guidelines
• Applications are accepted January 1st – May 1st each year

Selection Process

The MES Fund Financial Aid Committee utilizes CSS reports and reviews the following for each applicant:

Non-Discrimination Statement

The MES Fund does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

Contact Information

Email: info@mesfund.org
Address: MES Fund, Inc., 760 Hopmeadow Street Suite 102, Simsbury, CT 06070
Phone: Not provided on website

Background

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. In 2025, the newly established MES Endowment Fund was created by an anonymous donor with a principal donation of $100,000 to ensure the fund's mission is sustained for years to come.