Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Community College Scholarship

About this scholarship

The Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Community College Scholarship helps eligible Oklahoma child-care professionals earn a CDA, Certificate of Mastery, approved director credential, associate degree in child development, or Associate of Applied Science in child development. Under the FY27 agreement, the program can pay up to 90% of required tuition and fees and up to 100% of required textbooks after other financial aid is applied. Students normally pay the remaining 10%. Scholar coordinators at participating Oklahoma community colleges help applicants with the scholarship, admission, financial aid, course planning, and credential completion. Applicants pursuing an associate degree generally must have worked at an eligible licensed child-care facility for at least three months; that initial employment period does not apply to CDA or Certificate of Mastery participants. Recipients file the FAFSA annually, maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, follow the program’s course-load limits, submit schedules each term, and promptly report employment or enrollment changes. The award cannot be held at the same time as the program’s technology-center scholarship. Agreements last one year and may be renewed when the student remains eligible and the program approves continued participation.

Eligibility

• Work at least 30 hours per week in a qualifying child-care role
• Work at an eligible licensed Oklahoma facility with the required QRIS rating
• Complete three months of eligible employment before associate-degree coursework unless pursuing a CDA or Certificate of Mastery
• Enroll in an approved child development or early childhood education plan at a participating community college
• File the FAFSA each academic year and provide requested aid documents
• Maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and follow the scholarship course-load limits
• Pay any remaining tuition and fees not covered after other aid and the program award