The Saginaw County Child Development Centers, Inc. (1967-1998) was a pioneer in early childhood education. As an innovator of several groundbreaking projects for preschoolers and their parents, the agency successfully operated numerous programs, including Head Start.

In recognition of one of the founding fathers of the Saginaw County Child Development Centers (SCCDC), the Board of Directors founded the Nels Andersen Scholarship. Under Mr. Andersen’s devoted direction, the agency grew to serve nearly 1,000 children, with 16 childcare centers throughout Saginaw County and a staff of more than 150 employees. 

Prior to his work with SCCDC, Mr. Andersen spent his career in Christian education and ministry. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from George Williams College and his Master of Arts in education and religious education from New York University. He attended Oberlin College and began work toward his Ph.D. at Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary in New York. In 1976, he was a delegate to the Michigan White House Conference on Handicapped Children.