The Susan Helsabeck Scholarship

Early childhood educators give so much of themselves every day — their time, energy, patience, and care. For many, continuing their education is a goal, but one that can feel out of reach while balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities.

The Susan Helsabeck Scholarship exists to help make that goal more attainable.

What Is the Susan Helsabeck Scholarship?

The Susan Helsabeck Scholarship provides financial support to early childhood educators in Randolph County who are continuing their education in the field of Early Care and Education.

Awarded annually, the scholarship supports an educator who is:

• Working in a Randolph County child care program
• Actively enrolled in a higher education institution
• Committed to growing professionally and strengthening their classroom practice

By supporting continued learning, the scholarship helps educators build skills, deepen their knowledge, and bring new ideas back to the children and families they serve.

Honoring Susan’s Legacy

This scholarship is named in memory of Susan Harris Helsabeck, a beloved colleague and longtime advocate for early childhood education.

Susan served as the Randolph Partnership for Children’s Professional Development Specialist from 2015 until her passing in 2021. Throughout her career, she was known for her encouragement, warmth, and unwavering belief in early educators and the important work they do.

Susan believed that supporting educators through continued education strengthens not only classrooms, but entire communities. This scholarship carries forward her commitment to lifting up those who care for our youngest learners.

Who Should Apply

Early childhood educators may be eligible to apply if they:

• Are working as a teacher in a Randolph County child care program
• Are actively enrolled in a higher education institution
• Have completed EDU 119
• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Full eligibility details and application requirements are available online.

Why This Early Childhood Educator Scholarship Matters

When early educators are supported in their education, children benefit. Continued learning helps educators:

• Strengthen classroom practices
• Better support children’s development
• Grow professionally in a demanding and meaningful field

The Susan Helsabeck Scholarship recognizes the dedication of early educators and invests in their growth.

Applications Are Now Open

Applications for the Susan Helsabeck Scholarship are now open.

If you are an early childhood educator in Randolph County who is continuing your education, we encourage you to apply and take advantage of this opportunity for support.

Learn more about eligibility and apply for the Susan Helsabeck Scholarship