Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program
Offered by INCCRRA and the Illinois Department of Early Childhood
About this scholarship
The Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship pays 60% to 100% of eligible tuition for professionals working in licensed early care, school-age care, or qualifying Preschool for All programs. The percentage depends on current income: the revised 2026 scale covers 100% for the lowest wage band and decreases in steps to 60%. Approved early-childhood professional-educator-licensure student teaching is covered at 100%. Support may fund associate, bachelor’s, or master’s study in early childhood education or child development; Gateways credentials; Great START advancement; program-administration degrees; early-childhood licensure; and bilingual or ESL endorsements at participating institutions. Applicants generally must have worked for the current eligible program for one year, or 90 days at an ExceleRate Bronze, Silver, or Gold program, average at least 15 hours weekly, meet wage rules, and be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or Illinois resident. Applications are accepted year-round and should arrive four to six weeks before classes. A contract can cover up to five courses or 15 semester credits, ends June 30, and may be renewed. Recipients must submit schedules and grades, remain in eligible employment, pay any remaining tuition and fees, and complete the required post-contract work commitment.
Eligibility
- Work in an eligible Illinois licensed child care, school-age care, family or group home, or Preschool for All program
- Work in a qualifying teaching, assistant, director, or family child care role
- Have the required one year of employment, or 90 days at an eligible ExceleRate quality program
- Average at least 15 work hours per week on a continuous basis
- Meet the program wage requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or Illinois resident
- Pursue approved early-childhood, child-development, credential, licensure, endorsement, or administration study
- Commit to continued work in eligible early care or school-age care after the contract