Early Childhood Education Scholarships

With a growing focus on nurturing language and literacy skills in early childhood to bridge the “achievement gap” among at-risk children, there’s a noticeable rise in the accessibility of scholarships for early childhood education. In essence, these scholarships aim to make it simpler for individuals to pursue studies that contribute to the well-rounded development of young minds. Research by Ounce of Prevention underscores the importance, revealing that children lacking high-quality early childhood education are statistically 60% more likely to face certain challenges. The evolving landscape is making educational opportunities more available, fostering a brighter future for the youngest learners.

More and more importance is being given to the development of language and literacy skills in young children to reduce the “achievement gap” among at-risk kids. This has led to an increase in the availability of early childhood education scholarships. Studies by Ounce of Prevention show that children who don’t receive high-quality early education are 60% more likely to skip college and 70% more likely to be arrested for a violent crime.

Getting a degree in early childhood education equips future teachers and administrators with the necessary skills to create early learning experiences that set children up for success in their intellectual and social lives.

Apply to a Early Childhood Education Scholarship

If you feel the calling to work with young children from birth to age 8, here are 20 scholarships that can help finance your undergraduate or graduate degree in early childhood education:

1. Ann Eddy Early Childhood Education Scholarship

   • Deadline: April 7th
   • Amount: $500 annually
   • Eligibility: High school seniors in Marion County, Florida, majoring in early childhood education at a four-year institution in Florida.

2. Bright Futures National Scholarships

   • Deadline: June 11th
   • Amount: $250 to $1,000
   • Eligibility: Full-time students in the U.S. pursuing a degree in early childhood education with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

3. Daniels Boundless Opportunities Scholarships

   • Deadline: June 1st
   • Amount: Up to $5,000
   • Eligibility: Non-traditional students in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming pursuing higher education, including early childhood education certification.

4. Diane Trister Dodge Scholarship Award

   • Deadline: March 1st
   • Award: Full reimbursement for professional development in early childhood education.

5. Georgia DECAL Scholarship Program

   • Deadline: June 30th
   • Amount: Covers 80% of tuition costs with a $500 stipend for students in Georgia pursuing a degree in early childhood education.

6. Early Achievers Scholarships

   • Deadline: Varies
   • Amount: Up to $6,000 annually
   • Eligibility: Students in Washington pursuing a certificate or degree in early childhood education.

7. Ernest C. Ball Scholarship Fund

   • Deadline: January 26th
   • Amount: $500 to $1,000
   • Eligibility: Students at the University of Memphis pursuing a degree in education, with a focus on early childhood education.

8. Excellence in Early Childhood Scholarships

   • Deadline: March 17th and July 15th
   • Amount: $20,000
   • Eligibility: Incoming students at Walden University pursuing a degree in early childhood education.

9. Idaho STARS Academic Scholarships

   • Deadline: September 30th
   • Covers 100% of tuition costs for childcare professionals in Idaho pursuing a degree in early childhood education.

10. Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship

    • Deadline: April 15th
    • Amount: $2,000
    • Eligibility: NEA student members pursuing a degree in education in the U.S.

These scholarships aim to support individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children through education. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, so be sure to review them carefully and choose the ones that align with your goals and circumstances.