Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program
Offered by Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and Department of Higher Education
About this scholarship
The Massachusetts Early Childhood Educators Scholarship helps current and prospective early educators complete an approved certificate, associate, bachelor’s, or master’s program at an eligible Massachusetts institution. The 2026-27 application is open in the MASSAid Student Portal through September 1, 2026. Funding is calculated by enrolled credits for no more than three courses per semester. Community-college students may receive up to $350 per credit and $3,150 per semester; state-university students up to $550 per credit and $4,950 per semester; and University of Massachusetts or private-college students up to $750 per credit and $6,750 per semester. A maximum two-standard-semester award at the highest rate is $13,500, while summer support depends on separate funding. Applicants must have lived in Massachusetts for at least one year, meet an approved citizenship or tuition-equity status, file the FAFSA or authorized equivalent, and enroll at least part time in an eligible early-childhood-related program. They must work in a Massachusetts EEC-licensed or funded program or qualify as a prospective student seeking such work. Recipients agree to continue Massachusetts early-education employment after completing the degree or repay funds under the program terms. An active Professional Qualifications Registry number and applicable program number are required in MASSAid.
Eligibility
- Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year before the enrolled term with intent to remain
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, Title IV-eligible noncitizen, or approved Massachusetts tuition-equity student
- File the FAFSA or an authorized Massachusetts financial-aid equivalent
- Enroll full time or part time in an approved certificate, associate, bachelor’s, or master’s program at an eligible Massachusetts institution
- Study an approved early childhood education, child development, family studies, child care administration, or closely named field
- Work in an EEC-licensed or funded Massachusetts program or qualify as a prospective student seeking eligible employment
- Maintain an active Professional Qualifications Registry number and provide the required program number
- Not be in default on state or federal student loans or owe a prior financial-aid refund
- Agree to continue eligible Massachusetts early-education employment after completing the program or repay funds as defined
- Submit the MASSAid ECE Scholarship application by September 1, 2026