Branches Atelier Scholarship Application

Dear ECE Community, 

Please note that this program is now full. We appreciate all of you that have applied and we hope to be bringing more of these programs to you soon.

We are excited to introduce you to the 100 Languages Access Program, a unique scholarship opportunity for early childhood educators eager to explore and deepen their understanding of the Reggio Emilia Approach in our context. At Branches Atelier, we believe every child possesses a rich array of voices—each worthy of respect and celebration. As Loris Malaguzzi famously articulated, children speak through “the hundred languages,” encompassing art, movement, sound, and storytelling, among others. Our mission is to empower you as educators to nurture and amplify these expressions, fostering environments where children’s creativity and imagination can thrive. Through this program,  sponsored by the Mara W Breech Foundation, you will engage in a professional development and mentoring program guided by experienced educators, Patricia Hunter McGrath and Christina Bianchi, who are passionate about collaborative learning and meaningful connections with children. Together, we will explore innovative approaches to materials and their introduction into the classroom, ensuring that children’s voices are not only honored but actively engaged in their learning journeys. Join us as we embark on this transformative inaugural experience, a series of live in-person events for educators, online training, and resources. Let’s work together to celebrate the incredible richness of children’s expressions and ideas. We look forward to your application! 

Warm regards,

Patricia and Christina 

Please be aware that scholarship funding is limited, and not all individuals or teams who meet the eligibility guidelines will receive a scholarship. At this time, scholarship funds can only be used for program tuition and course materials  and cannot be applied to travel expenses or other costs associated with attending or participating in the programs.

Now more than ever, children need opportunities to find and use their voices. In this moment, we are reminded of the power of self-expression—the kind that transforms, connects, and surprises.

Loris Malaguzzi, the visionary behind the Reggio Emilia approach, referred to paints, pencils, clay, light, movement, and more as “the hundred languages of children.” These materials are not just tools, but essential means through which children communicate their thoughts, emotions, and theories about the world.

At Branches Atelier, we believe it is our responsibility as educators to nurture these diverse forms of expression. We must commit to creating spaces where children’s voices—through gesture, sound, sculpture, paint, wire, story, and play—are honored, heard, and explored. This work requires educators with open hearts and minds and a deep passion for listening, collaboration, and making meaning with children.

With this vision in mind, we are proud to offer the 100 Languages Access Program for ECE Educators—a scholarship and mentoring opportunity for early childhood educators who are seeking to deepen their understanding of the 100 Languages. This professional development and mentorship program supports ECE educators in exploring how children make their ideas visible and how we, as adults, can become better partners in that journey. Come and Join Patricia Hunter McGrath, Christina Bianchi and our Branches teachers as we take a deep dive into The 100 Languages of Children.

Who Should Apply:
This opportunity is open to new or experienced:

• Early Childhood Educators (ECE)
• Mentors and coaches
• Preschool center directors and ECE program owners
• Family child care providers

Priority will be given to those working in or serving underserved communities.

Scholarship Award Includes:

• Estimated program costs of $1,000  of professional development and mentorship classes and mentoring sessions per educator
• $125 in curated program art materials and course resources

We invite you to apply and join us in cultivating classrooms where every child’s language is welcomed, explored, and celebrated.

Branches Atelier is committed to providing accessible professional development opportunities in progressive early childhood education. We are offering five scholarships based on financial need for our upcoming trainings focused on the 100 Languages of Children, with a mixture of workshops via zoom, in-person events (at Branches Atelier in Culver City, CA), and materials training via video. Join us as we explore the power of materials to express ideas. Together, we will unpack how to move with fluidity between children’s individual theories, representations, group reflections, and investigations. How can we support children’s use of materials to communicate, collaborate, and innovate? How can we create rich environments that are ripe with possibilities to help all children thrive? 

Eligibility Requirements:

        A.  ECE teachers who are new to the field, ECE students seeking further knowledge of the role that materials can play in a progressive classroom, or experienced teachers or mentors in early childhood education, and owners operating with or working for preschools in underserved communities are welcome to apply.

         B. Demonstrated financial need: Written Submission 

All applicants must be available to attend all scheduled sessions:

1. Welcome Orientation and Foundations to the 100 Languages:  Tuesday, May 6th – Online 

2. Palettes that Connect us to our World: Saturday, May 10th –  In person

3. Engaging Natural Materials: Saturday, August 30th – In person

4. Intro to Reggio in Our Context: Wednesday, September 3rd & September 10th -Online

5. 100 Languages Access Mentoring Session Celebration Lunch and Presentation of Hundred Languages Certificates: Saturday, September 20 

         C. A strong interest in progressive early childhood education philosophies: Written submission and participation in a reflection session. 

Scholarship Coverage:

The scholarship covers the cost of the professional development training and lunch at in-person events. Please note that an administration fee of ($25) is NOT included and will be the responsibility of the scholarship recipients, as are transportation costs to in-person events.

Application Instructions:

Please complete all sections of this application via the link . Incomplete applications will not be considered.

We sincerely thank the Mara W Breech Foundation for their generous support in making these scholarships possible. Their commitment allows Branches Atelier to continue engaging in the professional development of all teachers.

Before submitting your application, please  carefully review to make sure that all questions  are answered.

Applications must be complete and submitted to Christina Bianchi by Friday, April 25th 2025 at 5pm PST 

Please be aware that scholarship funding is limited, and not all individuals or teams who meet the eligibility guidelines will receive a scholarship. At this time, scholarship funds can only be used for program tuition and cannot be applied to travel expenses or other costs associated with attending or participating in the programs.

You may also email questions to Christina at:

christina@Branchesatelier.com

Applicants will be notified on April 29th 2025