Scholarships - Child Development and Early Childhood

Lura Lee and George R. Freeman Endowed Scholarship for Early Learning

Dr. Janice and Dr. Joyce Freeman, twin sisters, were both professors of biology at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi and secured over 10 Eisenhower Science grants and other public/private grants exceeding $1 million throughout their academic career to show area teachers ways to make science fun for students. The twins were responsible for starting the Coastal Bend Science Fair. Their summer programs, taught with help from other instructors, drew more than 700 teacher participants over the years. The sessions have covered topics such as science for kindergarteners, marine science and environmental science. The programs have taken teachers to the aquarium, local museums and even a cemetery, where they gathered data about early settlers. The idea behind the trips is to demonstrate ways to enliven science. Joyce said the program also aimed to give teachers more confidence in teaching science.

They did many things together including attending Menger Elementary School, Wynne Seale Middle School and W.B. Ray High School. They graduated Del Mar College, receiving their associates of arts degrees while being recognized as ‘Outstanding Graduate’, elected to the ‘Del Mar College Hall of Fame’, and much later being added to the Wall of Honor (1997). They attended school together all the way through their studies for doctorate degrees. They each started by teaching science in middle schools in the Corpus Christi Independent School District and then moved to the high school level with Joyce teaching at Ray and Janice at Carroll. Janice went to Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi in 1973 and Joyce joined as a full-time faculty member a year later.

Dr. Janice Freeman passed away June 9, 2017 and Dr. Joyce Freeman passed away January 30, 2024 in Corpus Christi.

OVERVIEW:

This scholarship is renewable until completion of students' program as long as funds are available and student meets criteria in all semesters. This scholarship will be divided between fall and spring semesters.

For more information go to:

AMOUNT TO AWARD:

Target award $3,000 each student ($1,500 fall/$1,500 spring) at available funding level based on fund generation with no maximum, though less is allowed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• First preference for students majoring in the AAS-Child Development/Early Childhood program with secondary preference majoring in the AAT-EC program.
• Applicant must be enrolled at least part time at Del Mar College (6-11 hrs).
• Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

HOW TO APPLY For Scholarships:

The DMC Foundation scholarship application opens each year from February 1 through April 30. During this yearly window of opportunity, students must complete the General Scholarship Application. Scholarship awards are for the following Fall and Spring semesters.

T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) Early Childhood® Texas Scholarship Program

T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) Early Childhood® Texas Scholarship Program is an educational scholarship opportunity for early childhood educators who work in the licensed childcare setting across Texas.