The MES Fund was established in 2000 by AMI/USA to honor Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson, who devoted her life to Montessori teacher training. It is the first national financial aid fund to benefit AMI teacher trainees in the United States.

The MES Fund awards scholarships based on financial need in the form of tuition reduction. The fund ensures that qualified individuals seeking Montessori teacher training can pursue their dreams, regardless of their financial circumstances.

AMI teacher training is offered at the following levels: Assistants to Infancy (ages birth to 3 years); Primary (ages 3-6), Elementary (ages 6-12) and Adolescent (ages 12-18). Those who wish to apply for an MES Fund financial aid award must be accepted to an accredited AMI Training Center in the United States. Applications will open in January 2025 and the deadline is May 1st.

Our 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, who dedicated her life to training Montessori teachers in the United States.

Meet Our Team

The MES Fund Board of Directors and Advisory Council are proud to support the training of Montessori teachers and continue the legacy of Margaret Stephenson. We invite you to join us in celebrating our 25th Anniversary with a donation today. Your gift will help us increase the number of trained teachers in our Montessori school and sustain the fund for years to come.

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, the training of teachers.

This year, the MES Fund will celebrate our 25th Anniversary. Thank you to all those who have given to the Fund in Margaret Stephenson’s name. We are grateful for her eloquent words of clarity ~ she continues to inspire us every day.

“ The children in a Montessori class are given the freedom that is the liberty of the human being, and this freedom allows the children to grow in social grace, inner discipline, and joy. ”

• Accepted to an AMI accredited teacher training course in the United States
• U.S citizen or permanent U.S. resident
• Demonstrated financial need as evaluated by the College Board Scholarship Service (CSS) Financial Aid Profile

Priority consideration is given to applicants who:

• are assistants in an AMI school
• have worked in an Montessori school
• plan to teach in an AMI school following training
• hold a college degree

Applying for financial aid does not affect a student’s prospect for admission at an AMI training center.

The MES Fund Financial Aid Committee reviews all applications and notifies applicants of their award status upon receipt of the MES Application, the CSS Form and confirmation of acceptance to an AMI training center in the United States.

Applications are accepted January 1st – May 1st each year

“In my training, a common theme that I noticed was Gratitude. It permeates Dr. Montessori’s teachings for the 6-12 training. I have so much gratitude to the MES Fund for their support to complete my guide training. I hope that I can take this knowledge that I’ve acquired and use it to inspire others to have a love of learning and to value peace”

— MANAMAYA PETERSON

“The MES Fund was the key to planning my elementary training and earning my AMI diploma next year. It helped me close the financial gap and take less in student loans. It allowed me to continue studying and continue to build and strengthen our community through principal Montessori education. Thank you for the opportunity to obtain a Montessori education scholarship to pursue my dream.”

— ABDI BOTAN

1. Complete the MES Fund Application.

2. Register with the College Board Scholarship Service (CSS), sign in and complete the Fall 2025 Financial Aid Profile for those applying for courses beginning in 2025.

There is a minimal fee assessed by the College Board to complete the Financial Aid Profile. Parent financial information is NOT required for independent students.

You must include the MES Fund, Inc. College Board ID Code (0186) when completing the Financial Aid Profile.

You cannot supply new information or update your Financial Aid Profile after it has been submitted.

After you complete the Financial Aid Profile you will receive an “acknowledgment” from CSS. This is your proof that you have completed this process; keep this copy for your records.

3. Enroll in an AMI Training Program. (Enrollment to be confirmed by the MES Fund).

$25,000 Match ~ $100,00 Goal

In honor of our 25th Anniversary, we invite you to celebrate with us and ask for your support. Every gift to our Annual Fund this fiscal year will be matched up to $25,000 by an anonymous donor. That means your gift will go twice as far. Please help us reach our goal of $100,000!

Your gift enables the MES Fund to provide financial aid to AMI teacher trainees, which broadens the access to AMI Montessori teaching as envisioned by Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson and her invaluable contribution to Montessori education. For your convenience, you can make a tax-deductible donation online or by mail.

DONATE ONLINE

DONATE BY MAIL

Thank you for your gift to the MES Fund! We are grateful to you for your commitment to help increase the number of AMI teachers in our schools and continue the legacy begun by Margaret Stephenson. Your donation to the MES Fund is a tribute to her and to the children who will have greater access to Montessori Education.

The MES Fund, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.Your donation is tax deductible to the extent that is allowed by law.

Please email info@mesfund.org for questions about applications or email donate@mesfund.org for more information about giving.

For periodic updates and application deadlines please connect with us.

MES Fund, Inc.
760 Hopmeadow Street
Suite 102
Simsbury, CT 06070

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