If you work or have worked in early childhood education and care and you’re seeking additional credentials and/or a degree in early childhood education and care, you may be eligible for the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program. The program was created to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators by encouraging the pursuit of credentials and advancement of already-held degrees in early childhood education and care, with an aim toward building a strong, well-prepared workforce. If you would like to be connected to someone who can walk you through all the available educational opportunities, contact Ashleigh Couty, Associate Manager of ECE Workforce Development at 618-9985-5975, ext. 1223.

Awards are available for undergraduate study at public and non-profit private 2- and 4-year Gateways-entitled and Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity member institutions, with priority given to renewal applicants.  The scholarship will help pay the applicant’s total cost of attendance for an academic year after other financial aid received, up to $7,500. Please note that awards for the summer term are no longer available. Recipients of the scholarship are expected to continue or return to teaching or direct services in the early childhood care and education field in Illinois after they complete their program of study.