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Apply for the early childhood educators (ece) scholarship, office of student financial assistance (dhe), the details of apply for the early childhood educators (ece) scholarship, overview for apply for the early childhood educators (ece) scholarship.
The Early Childhood Scholarship provides financial assistance if you are currently employed in an early childhood field. This includes all licensed and funded EEC program types (group and school aged, out-of-school time, and family child care programs).
The scholarship supports early childhood staff who are enrolled (or plan to enroll in) a higher education certificate, associates, bachelors or masters degree program at an approved institution in Massachusetts. Eligible majors include: Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Family Studies, Child Care Administration or fields that directly name early child development as its specific areas of inquiry.
Watch an info session from the 2023-2024 application period to learn more.
Eligibility for Apply for the Early Childhood Educators (ECE) scholarship
To be eligible for the Early Childhood Educators Scholarship, an applicant must:
- Be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts.
- Be a U.S. Citizen or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations.
- Have applied for financial aid, using the standard Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Not be in default of any federal or state Student Loans for attendance at any institution or owe a refund for any previous financial aid received.
- “Enroll, as a matriculated student, in an undergraduate degree program, full or part-time, in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Family Studies, Child Care Administration or fields that directly name early child development and its specific areas of inquiry. Eligible graduate programs include these same categories as well as Early Childhood Research, Policy and Practice; Education Entrepreneurship; and Learning Sciences.”
- Be employed, for at least six months, as an educator or provider in an early education and care program or out of school time program that is licensed or authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and continue employment in this field while pursuing the approved course of study.
- Sign an agreement to continue employment as an early childhood educator or provider in Massachusetts upon completing the degree requirement, or repay funds as defined.
- Students must either be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree or pursuing a master’s degree in an approved program, as defined.
How to apply Apply for the Early Childhood Educators (ECE) scholarship
- Before you apply for the scholarship, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .
- The ECE Scholarship application is available on the Office of Student Financial Assistance's website.
- Create a MASSAid Student Portal account if you don't already have one.
- You need to have an active Professional Quality Registry (PQR) number to apply for the scholarship. If you already have a PQR number and need assistance retrieving this number please contact EEC's help desk at (617) 988-2450 .
- Complete the ECE Scholarship application in the MASSAid Student Portal system.
More info for Apply for the Early Childhood Educators (ECE) scholarship
Additional information about the ECE Scholarship can be found on the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) website . The OSFA website has the most current information on award amounts, eligibility requirements, and additional updates to the scholarship program.
Downloads for Apply for the Early Childhood Educators (ECE) scholarship
Contact for apply for the early childhood educators (ece) scholarship.
- Learn more about the scholarship
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25 Scholarships for Early Childhood Education Students
Entering college can be a huge financial burden for perspective students. There are many available scholarships offered to students interested in becoming a teacher. Below is a list of 25 scholarships available to students pursuing a degree in early childhood education:
1. National Board Scholarship Program
Scholarships are available to assist with National Board programs. Eligibility is based on a non-refundable initial fee to be considered. Award amount varies on a state by state basis.
See more information here .
2. The Coca Cola Teacher Foundation
Scholarships are offered to eligible candidates throughout the United States. Many scholarships are available to graduating seniors. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the end of their junior year. The children and grandchildren of employees of Coca Cola aren’t eligible for this scholarship. Award amounts vary.
See more at more information here .
3. The Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation
Students in high school, college, or graduate school can compete to win a scholarship. Parents can also compete. Scholarship quiz content is based on common knowledge or a specific subject matter. Award amount ranges from $250-$2500.
4. Zeta Phi Beta Isabel M. Herson Scholarship in Education
Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors entering their fall semester of college and undergraduate college students. Proof of enrollment is required. The scholarship is awarded for an academic year. The award amount ranges from $500-$1,000.
Scholarships are also available to women pursuing a professional master, doctoral, or post doctoral study. The scholarship is awarded for an academic year. The awards for students don’t exceed $2,500.
5. Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship
Candidates are required to complete a 500 word essay explaining your interest and knowledge of the Right to Work principle as it relates to educators. One $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually.
6. Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation Scholarship
This foundation offers various undergraduate and graduate scholarships to eligible candidates. All of the scholarships offered require proven community involvement. Eligibility requirements and award amounts are based on the specific scholarship that you are interested in.
7. AFT Robert G. Porter Scholars Program
Eligible candidates for this scholarship are dependent students of AFT members who are their parent or legal guardian. The AFT member should be in good standing for at least one year. The student should be a graduating senior. The program awards four 4-year $8,000 post-secondary scholarships and 10 one-time $1,000 grants.
8. American Montessori Society (AMS) Teacher Education Scholarship Fund
Scholarships are awarded to aspiring Montessori teachers who are in AMS affiliated teacher education programs. Eligibility is based on the student’s financial need, a captivating personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and verification of AMS affiliation. The award amount varies.
9. Patch Scholarship
Scholarships are available only for students who attend Hawaii colleges. Eligible students have successfully passed early childhood education courses or awarded a Child Development Associate (CDA). The maximum amount awarded is $750 at the end of August, January, and May.
10. Teacher Education Assistance College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program
Applicants must be enrolled in a TEACH grant eligible program. Students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25. Candidates must sign a TEACH agreement to teach in an area of need, at an elementary, secondary, or an agency serving lower income families for a minimum of four years within eight years after completion of your degree. Awards are up to $4,000 a year.
11. Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
The scholarship is based the student’s high school academic achievement. The program offers three different award levels. Eligibility criteria and award amounts are based on the particular award. Repayment will be required if the students drops a course or withdraws from school.
12. Phi Delta Kappa Prospective Education Scholarship
This program offers many different scholarships. Students in high school or college are eligible if they are member of Phi Delta Kappa or if their parent is a member. Award amount and criteria is based on the scholarship you are interested in.
13. Teacher Scholarship Program
Four scholarships are offered each year for students planning a teaching career. The award amount is $500 and the check is written directly to the student that can be used for tuition, books, or living expenses.
14. Florida Fund for Minority Teachers
Applicants for this scholarship should be newly admitted to a teaching program of any participating Florida Fund for Minority Teachers schools. The student must be a resident of Florida. The applicant should be a junior who has not earned a baccalaureate in education, has 60 credit hours, or an AA degree. Students pursuing upper division education should not have exceeded 18 hours at the time of application submission. The annual award is $4,000.
15. Sheri Stears Education Scholarship
The purpose of this award offers financial assistance for student’s tuition and many other educational expenses to individuals who are admitted into a baccalaureate pre-service teacher education program. The applicant must have a good academic standing, a 3.0 GPA, and be admitted to the University of Alaska Anchorage. The award amount is one $2,500 per academic year.
16. Association of American Indian Affairs- Emilie Hesemeyer Memorial Scholarship
The Association of American Indian Affairs provide scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students, who are members of recognized tribes and tribes that are not recognized by the federal government. Student eligibility is based on being enrolled as a full-time student for the fall and spring semester. Applicants are required to be a Native American or an Alaska Native. Students are only eligible for one scholarship per year, but you can re-apply yearly. The award amount varies.
17. Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program
The program provides financial support to higher education institutions to offer scholarships and stipends to STEM students. This program encourages science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors to become K-12 math and science teachers. The award amount varies.
18. California Teacher Association (CTA)
The program offers many different scholarships. CTA members and their dependents are eligible to apply for a scholarship throughout the academic year. Other requirements and award amounts are based on the specific scholarship.
19. Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program
This program encourages students to pursue teaching careers in pre-k, elementary, middle, or secondary school. Preference will be given to juniors, seniors, and graduate students in West Virginia pursuing a degree in teaching. Award amounts don’t exceed $5,000.
20. Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
The program provides financial aid to students pursuing initial teaching certification in Kentucky colleges. The student has to demonstrate a financial need and be enrolled as a full-time student unless you are in your final term of a teacher certification program. If the program isn’t completed, the scholarship must be repaid. The award amount is up to $2,500 per semester.
21. Washington Student Achievement Council- State Need Grant (SNG)
The State Need Grant (SNG) program provides need based financial aid to income eligible students. Award amount varies depending on the school the student attends.
22. North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (ELS)
The scholarship offers tuition assistance for student residing in North Carolina. Eligible candidates are required to attend a college or university in North Carolina. Also, students attending community colleges in North Carolina can apply. The student must be enrolled in a minimum if six credit hours to be considered. Award amount varies.
23. The Tomorrow’s Teacher
Eligible candidates for this scholarship are high school seniors residing in Kansas seeking an education degree at Kansas State University. Applicants must write a $1,000 word essay. The award amount is $2,500 for each academic school year.
24. Massachusetts Early Childhood Educators Scholarships
The scholarship is designed for students pursuing an associate or bachelor degree in childhood education or current childhood educators. Students must attend a public or private college. The college or university must be in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Award amounts vary.
25. Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois
This program encourages talented students, especially minority students to pursue an education degree and particularly schools that are hard to staff. Students must be named Golden Apple Scholar by the Golden Apple Foundation, be a resident of Illinois, and be enrolled in a course of study leading to teacher certification. The applicant must be a high school graduate or have a General Education Development (GED) certificate. The average GPA required is 2.5. Award amounts are up to $2,500 for freshman and sophomores and award amounts for juniors and seniors is up to $5,000.
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5 Great Scholarships for Early Childhood Education
Find your perfect school.
- The Coca Cola Teacher Foundation
- American Montessori Society (AMS) Teacher Education Scholarship Fund
- Teacher Education Assistance College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program
- Zeta Phi Beta Isabel M. Herson Scholarship in Education
- The Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation
As the population grows, the field of early childhood education is rapidly expanding, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whether early childhood workers and preschool teachers have an associate’s or master’s degree in the field, the need for qualified workers is constant and ever-growing.
Whether you’re planning on stopping at two-year or plan to go for a master’s degree in early childhood education, there is a wide variety of scholarships available for this fascinating field of study. Here are five great early childhood education scholarships.
1. The Coca Cola Teacher Foundation
Awarded to graduating high school seniors with a proven academic track record and intent to positively impact their communities, the Coca Cola Teacher Foundation awards scholarships of twenty-thousand dollars per year to one hundred and fifty students in the United States. Students must be intent on majoring in an educational field – including early childhood education – and must be able to demonstrate work they have done in a leadership or charitable capacity in their communities. The scholarship application opens each year in August.
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2. american montessori society (ams) teacher education scholarship fund.
The American Montessori Society (AMS) Teacher Education Scholarship Fund awards funding to undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in teaching the Montessori method, and are enrolled in the society’s teacher education programs. Membership in the American Montessori Society is required, along with proof of financial need, a personal essay, and three or more letters of recommendation. The award amount varies from year to year, and applications must be received by May 1st.
3. Teacher Education Assistance College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program
A government-administered program, the TEACH Grant is awarded to education majors enrolled in two-year, four-year or master’s degree programs that maintain a grade point average of 3.25 or higher throughout their studies, and who sign an agreement to teach in lower-income schools for a minimum of four years following graduation. Students must also be pursuing a high-need area of academics within their education major, such as special education, mathematics, or ESL, among others. The TEACH Grant awards up to four thousand dollars per academic year, dependent on student need and tuition costs, and can be applied for when students complete the FAFSA for the academic year in which they wish to receive the grant.
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4. Zeta Phi Beta Isabel M. Herson Scholarship in Education
This scholarship is awarded to both graduating high school seniors and undergraduate college students majoring in education. Zeta Phi Beta administers a number of scholarships to different educational levels and grade point averages of students, including graduate and doctoral students. The basic undergraduate award ranges from five hundred to one thousand per academic year, and proof of enrollment is required.
5. The Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation
Conducted like a quiz bowl in which students compete for scholarship prizes, the Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation awards graduating high school seniors enrolling in education programs scholarship awards ranging from two hundred and fifty to twenty-five hundred dollars. Parents can also compete with their children.
Regardless of your intended area of specialization or degree level, each of these early childhood education scholarships represent excellent opportunities to fund your degree studies – and, in turn, become part of a growing and dynamic profession.
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On July 20, 2023, ECECD finalized child care r egulations to make child care affordable for most New Mexico families! Read more here .
Early Childhood Scholarships
Early Childhood Career Pathway Guide
The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) released the professional development career pathway guide , which outlines steps, options, and financial supports for continuing education to better prepare individuals for multiple career options in early childhood.
Investing in early childhood professionals and their careers
The quality of New Mexico’s early childhood programs and statewide system depends upon the caring, knowledgeable people who work with children and families. The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), in partnership with CNM-Ingenuity, provides scholarship opportunities to make it possible for early childhood professionals to complete coursework leading to advanced credentials and degrees.
- Scholarships are available to meet the needs of early childhood education and care professionals at all levels.
- Scholarship Coaches assist scholars along their career pathway.
- Scholars receive support to create a personalized professional development plan.
- Awards include one year of funding with possibility of renewal.
Eligibility
Scholarships are open to New Mexico early childhood educators, administrators, and program directors who:
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED/HSE).
- Are enrolled in a qualifying New Mexico higher education institution working toward an early childhood degree or New Mexico Child Development Certificate.
- New Mexico licensed, or registered home, child care program;
- State-funded PreK or early PreK program in a community-based or public school setting;
- Head Start or Early Head Start;
- State-funded Home Visiting Program; or
- Family Infant Toddler (FIT) program
How to Apply
- Fill out the application form online at ececdscholarship.org (English and Spanish).
- Once scholarship is awarded, begin work with an assigned coach.
- Remain eligible by meeting the requirements for grades, credit hours, and continued employment with an eligible early childhood program.
Download Scholarship flyer
Cnm webinar:.
- View a recording of the Scholarship and Wage Supplement Programs webinar
- Download the slide presentation
Available Scholarships
Associate’s degree or certificate scholarship.
- An Associate’s degree (AA) in early childhood education or New Mexico Child Development Certificate (CDC)
- Home Visitors/FIT providers pursuing an AA in early childhood education, social work, counseling, or related field
- 100% of tuition
- 100% of books
Sponsoring Program/Employer Responsibility:
- Depending on the program’s ability and the scholars’ need, the program/school will work with the scholar to find a predetermined weekly release time to benefit both parties
Scholar Responsibility:
- Travel expenses
- Minimum of six credit hours per school year
- C grade or higher in all classes
Bachelor’s Degree Scholarship
- Child care and PreK professionals pursuing a Bachelor’s degree (BA) in early childhood education, including PreK–12 Special Education licensure for PreK educators in public school settings
- Home Visitors/FIT providers pursuing a BA in early childhood education, social work, counseling, or related field
- 50% of books
- Depending on the program’s ability and the scholars’ need, the program/school will work with the scholar to find a predetermined weekly release time to benefit both parties.
Family Home Professional Scholarship
Family/home child care professionals seeking
- The Child Development Certificate, or
- An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education
ECECD works to connect New Mexico students with scholarships that support careers in the early childhood field. Visit ececdscholarship.org for more information.
Graduate-level scholarships may become available, depending upon funding.
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Scholarship and Grant Opportunities
High quality early childhood settings begin with well-trained and well-prepared educators. ECCLA currently offers several scholarship and grant opportunities for students who would like to earn a degree or certificate in early childhood education, and for home-based providers who are seeking funding to start up, expand, or maintain consistent operations for their family child care home facility.
Eccla’s scholarship and grant opportunities can be blended with other funding and are intended to compliment and support the wonderful work that early childhood councils are already doing across the state. we recommend that you check in with your local early childhood council to see if they offer scholarships or additional funding that can be used to help you further your education., helpful links.
- ECCLA's Scholarship & Grant Application Portal
- Scholarship and Grant Staff Directory
- BILL Payment Platform Info
- Scholarships and Grants Flyer
- Folleto de becas y subvenciones
- Interactive ECE Career Directory
- T.E.A.C.H. ECE Career Directory (pdf)
Scholarships We Currently Offer
Early Childhood Coach Credential Scholarship
The Early Childhood Coach Credential Scholarship is available to help recipients complete the training requirements to earn a Colorado Coach Credential. Eligible participants are Colorado residents, work or are seeking employment in ECE, are registered in PDIS, and holds or will apply for an Early Childhood Professional Credential and earns a Level III or higher.
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Colorado Scholarship Program
The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Colorado Scholarship Program offers early childhood education program directors and teachers a pathway to pursue higher education. Eligible participants are employed within the early childhood profession (in either child-facing or consultative/support roles) and are interested in obtaining an undergraduate degree or credential in early childhood education.
The Family Child Care Home Improvement Grant is available to help home-based providers start up, expand, or maintain consistent operations for their family child care home facility.
What’s the difference between T.E.A.C.H Early Childhood® Colorado Scholarship and TEACH Colorado?
Different ‘ TEACH ‘ programs exist in Colorado and it can get confusing! ECCLA provides the T.E.A.C.H Early Childhood® Colorado Scholarship , which offers early childhood professionals a pathway to pursue higher education. Many of Colorado’s early childhood education professionals, including directors, teachers, and family child care professionals, are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Meanwhile , TEACH Colorado is a free resource for anyone considering a PK-12 teaching career in Colorado, offering 1:1 advising, information on teaching pathways, downloadable guides and financial aid resources.
Similar name, distinct offerings, but both working to provide a whole bunch of support for early childhood professionals across the state.
About ECCLA
ECCLA advocates for and strengthens the accessibility, quality, and equity of local services and supports through a responsive statewide system of Early Childhood Councils, to benefit Colorado’s young children, their families, and early childhood professionals.
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Early Childhood Educators Scholarship
About the scholarship.
The Early Childhood Educators Scholarship program awards students who are seeking a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a childcare director qualification. Past recipients of the scholarship are welcome to re-apply.
- Essay Required : Yes
- Need-Based : No
- Merit-Based : No
- Seeking a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a childcare director qualification
- Country : US
- County : Boone, Winnebago
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