Celebrating TEL HI’s 2026 Education Assistance Scholarship Recipient: Joanne Qiong Li
September 16, 2026
TEL HI is proud to recognize Joanne Qiong Li as this year’s recipient of the TEL HI Education Assistance Scholarship, an annual award that supports the educational and professional goals of TEL HI employees.
Joanne is a dedicated member of TEL HI’s Mission Bay Early Childhood Education team, where she makes a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. Through her commitment to her work and the TEL HI community, Joanne exemplifies the dedication, compassion, and drive that make our programs so impactful.
This year’s scholarship selection followed a highly competitive application process. The Scholarship Committee received several strong applications and was impressed by the talent, ambition, and commitment demonstrated by employees across the organization. We are grateful to everyone who took the time to apply and share their educational aspirations.
The TEL HI Education Assistance Scholarship was established in 2019 by Dale Fehringer and Patty McCrary, longtime TEL HI volunteers, board members, and donors. Recognizing the financial challenges employees can face when pursuing higher education, Dale and Patty created the scholarship to help staff continue their studies while remaining active in their work at TEL HI.
The scholarship provides awards of up to $4,000 to help cover tuition, fees, books, and necessary equipment. Awards may also be renewed annually for employees enrolled in continuing programs. Since its creation, the scholarship has provided more than $35,000 in educational support to TEL HI staff, helping recipients develop new skills, deepen their knowledge, and move closer to achieving their personal and professional goals.
Supporting our employees’ education strengthens the entire TEL HI community. When staff members are given opportunities to learn and grow, they bring valuable knowledge and experience back to their programs. This investment helps TEL HI continue providing high-quality care and services to children, families, and seniors throughout San Francisco.
To learn more about the TEL HI Education Assistance Scholarship or contribute to this meaningful program, please contact Ashley Latoof at alatoof@telhi.org.
