Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program

About the Program

The Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Scholarship (ECACE) was created to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators and build a strong, well-prepared workforce by encouraging those who want to further their education. The scholarship helps pay the cost of attendance for an academic year up to $7,500 for students attending eligible 2- and 4-year public and non-profit private colleges in Illinois. Recipients are expected to continue working or return to work in the early childhood care and education field in Illinois after completing their studies. Refer to the ECACE Scholarship FAQs for answers to common questions about the program.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for an award during the 2025-26 academic year, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen or meet the undocumented student criteria of the RISE Act.
• Currently work or have ever worked as a teacher, assistant teacher, director, family childcare provider or family childcare assistant in a licensed or license-exempt facility;
• Provide documentation confirming your employment history and current membership in the Gateways to Opportunity® Registry;
• Be enrolled part-time (at least 3 credit hours) or full-time in an approved two-year or four-year college that is part of the ECACE program and be working toward the following undergraduate degrees:
• An associate of applied science degree or a related certificate in early childhood education, OR
• a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, with or without a teaching license;
• Please note: An applicant that has an AA/AAS degree in early childhood education but not yet completed a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education will meet the undergraduate education eligibility criteria for this program. Also, an applicant that has an undergraduate degree in any field other than early childhood education and is now pursuing an AA/AAS or bachelor’s in early childhood education will meet the undergraduate education eligibility criteria for this program.
• Maintain good academic standing as required by your college;
• Submit both the ECACE Scholarship application and the FAFSA (or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid by the application deadline;
• Not be in default on federal student loans or owe refunds on state or federal grants. If you are in default, you may re-establish your eligibility.
• Priority consideration is given to applicants who have received the scholarship before, are close to graduating and have the lowest Student Aid Index (SAI) from their FAFSA or Alternative Application. You do not need to demonstrate financial need to be eligible for this scholarship.