Unlock Opportunities in Early Childhood Education with ECACE Scholarship Program
If you've dedicated your career to early childhood education, the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program could be your gateway to further credentials and degrees. This program aims to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators by encouraging professionals like you to pursue additional qualifications, fostering a robust and well-prepared workforce.
Key Features of the ECACE Scholarship Program:
- Eligibility: Open to those working or having worked in early childhood education.
- Purpose:Encourages the pursuit of credentials and advancement of existing degrees in early childhood education.
- Commitment:Recipients are expected to continue or return to teaching or direct services in early childhood care and education in Illinois post-program completion.
Awards and Coverage:
- - Available for undergraduate study at public and non-profit private 2- and 4-year institutions.
- - For community colleges and public universities, the scholarship covers the total cost of attendance for an academic year after accounting for other financial aid.
- - Participants at non-profit private institutions receive an amount equivalent to the cost of the most expensive early childhood education program at an Illinois public college.
- Navigating Scholarship Opportunities:
- - All 16 regional Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies have Higher Education Navigators to assist early childhood workforce members.
- - Navigators guide individuals in accessing scholarships, including the ECACE Scholarship administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).
Connect with a Navigator:
- Complete a simple form to request a Navigator's assistance.
- Postsecondary students collaborate with program coaches and mentors for ongoing support.
Strategic Impact:
"The ECACE Scholarship is a critical component of the state's strategic plan for higher education, advancing the early childhood workforce and ensuring equitable access to higher education in childcare," shares ECACE Co-Project Director at IBHE, Christi Chadwick.
Dr. Marcus Brown, ICCB Deputy Director for Academic Affairs and Student Success, adds, "These scholarships fill a critical workforce gap, expanding the early childhood workforce to better serve Illinois families through highly skilled professionals reflecting the state's diversity."
About ECACE:
- Formed through Illinois Public Act 102-0174, ECACE is a collaboration of public universities, community colleges, and private institutions in Illinois.
- It aims to streamline paths to credentials and degrees for the early childhood incumbent workforce.
Empower Your Early Childhood Career with ECACE Scholarship - Building Excellence, Bridging Gaps. Click here to visit the official website
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