First Timer
Scholarships

The Middle States Council for the Social Studies (MSCSS) is pleased to offer a limited number of first timer scholarships to educators who have never been able to attend the MSCSS Annual Conference in the past for lack of financial support. Teachers from across the Middle States region (i.e., DC, MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY) are welcome to apply by completing the application. Selected awardees may have registration and 1 night of lodging covered to attend the conference, but other potential costs would be paid by the awardee. 

What is the MSCSS First Timer Scholarship?

This scholarship supports MSCSS members in attending the annual conference for the first time by covering the cost of registration and one night of lodging. Since some MSCSS members may not be able to have these costs covered by their school or district, the scholarship is meant to increase participation at the conference, especially for those who themselves have financial limitations or for those who work in schools or districts supporting significant numbers of economically disadvantaged students. 

What does the MSCSS First Timer Scholarship cover? What expenses are NOT covered? 

This scholarship covers the cost of registration and one night of lodging. Included with conference registration are breakfast on the Friday and Saturday of the conference, and lunch on Saturday. Other expenses would have to be paid by the awardee, their school, district, etc. Other expenses might include travel costs to the conference, meals outside of those provided, the field excursion on Friday afternoon of the conference, and other incidentals. 

Who is eligible for the MSCSS First Timer Scholarship?

The intent of the scholarship is to enable teachers who normally would not be able to attend the conference, especially those who teach in schools with at least 20% of students who are economically disadvantaged. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• First time attendee at an MSCSS conference

• Full-time PreK-12 classroom teacher who either lives or teaches in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania.

Priority in selection will be given to applicants who:

• Work in a high poverty school

• Have personal financial limitations

• Are in the beginning of their career

If your school or district has already committed to funding your registration, please do NOT apply for a First Timer Scholarship. 

How do I know if I work in a high poverty school? 

The U.S. Department of Education defines high poverty schools in three ways:

1. The school is in a district that serves at least 10,000 students from families living below the poverty line. OR

2. The school is in a district in which at least 20% of its students are from families living below the poverty line. OR

3. The school receives Title 1 funding.

If you are not sure whether your school meets any one of these criteria, consult your principal or district office for clarification.

Should I ask permission from my principal or other administrator before applying?

Yes! In order to take full advantage of the conference, you will need permission to be absent from your classroom for the two days of the conference. You may also need financial support to cover the cost of a substitute in your absence. Your principal or administrator may be able to access professional development funds that will defray some of these expenses.

How do I apply for the scholarship? 

Complete the MSCSS First Timer Scholarship Application by Monday, January 5th, 2026 in order to be considered for the MSCSS First Timer Scholarship. 

When will I find out if I received a scholarship?

Members of the MSCSS Executive Committee will meet to evaluate applications and communicate decisions by Monday, January 26th, 2026. We will assist you in registering for the conference and securing a hotel room for the Friday night of the conference upon confirmation that you will be able to attend. 

Other questions?

Please email MSCSS Delaware Representative Scott Abbott at sabbott@udel.edu.