Illinois Launches Scholarship Program to Address Early Childhood Educator Shortage

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) have launched the ECACE Scholarship Program to build a stronger workforce in the state.

According to the program’s website, “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. For students attending community colleges and public universities, the scholarship will cover the applicant’s total cost of attendance for an academic year (including summer) after other financial aid received. Students at participating non-profit private institutions may receive an amount no more than the cost of the most expensive program of study in the early childhood education field at an Illinois public college.”

In addition, “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.”

Detailed eligibility information, instructions, and the application can be found on the program’s website. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit the application as soon as possible, but no later than the priority consideration date of March 1, 2022.