Early Childhood Scholarships
Early Childhood Career Pathway Guide
The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) released the professional development career pathway guide, which outlines steps, options, and financial supports for continuing education to better prepare individuals for multiple career options in early childhood.
a Investing in early childhood professionals and their careers
The quality of New Mexico’s early childhood programs and statewide system depends upon the caring, knowledgeable people who work with children and families. The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), in partnership with CNM-Ingenuity, provides scholarship opportunities to make it possible for early childhood professionals to complete coursework leading to advanced credentials and degrees.
Benefits
- Scholarships are available to meet the needs of early childhood education
and care professionals. - Scholarship Coaches assist students along their career pathway.
- Students receive support to create a personalized professional development plan.
- Awards include one year of funding with possibility of renewal.
Eligibility
Scholarships are open to New Mexico early childhood educators, administrators, and program directors who:
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED/HSE).
- Are enrolled in a qualifying New Mexico higher education institution working toward an early childhood degree or New Mexico Child
Development Certificate. - Work a minimum of 20 hours per week at a:
- New Mexico licensed, or registered home, child care program;
- State-funded PreK or early PreK program in a community-based or public school setting;
- Head Start or Early Head Start;
- State-funded Home Visiting Program; or
- Family Infant Toddler (FIT) program
How to Apply
- Fill out the application form online at ececdscholarship.org (English and Spanish).
- Once a scholarship is awarded, begin work with an assigned coach.
- Remain eligible by meeting the requirements for grades, credit hours, and continued employment with an eligible early childhood program.
To connect with a Scholarship Coach today, reach out to:
info@ececdscholarship.org
505-224-ECEC (3232)
CONTACT:
Holly Gurule, Senior Program Manager ECECD Scholarship
and Wage Supplement Program, CNM-Ingenuity
Additional information:
ececdscholarship.org
CNM Webinar:
- View a recording of the Scholarship and Wage Supplement Programs webinar
- Download the slide presentation
Available Scholarships
Associate’s Degree or Certificate Scholarship
Supports:
- An Associate’s degree (AA) in early childhood education or New Mexico Child Development Certificate (CDC)
- Home Visitors/FIT providers pursuing an AA in early childhood education, social work, counseling, or related field
Covers:
- 100% of tuition
- 100% of books
Sponsoring Program/Employer Responsibility:
- Depending on the program’s ability and the scholars’ need, the program/school will work
with the scholar to find a predetermined weekly release time to benefit both parties
Scholar Responsibility:
- Travel expenses
- Minimum of six credit hours per school year
- C grade or higher in all classes
Bachelor’s Degree Scholarship
Supports:
- Child care and PreK professionals pursuing a Bachelor’s degree (BA) in early childhood education, including PreK–12 Special Education licensure for PreK educators in public school settings
- Home Visitors/FIT providers pursuing a BA in early childhood education, social work, counseling, or related field
Covers:
- 100% of tuition
- 50% of books
Sponsoring Program/Employer Responsibility:
- Depending on the program’s ability and the scholars’ need, the program/school will work with the scholar to find a predetermined weekly release time to benefit both parties.
Scholar Responsibility:
- Travel expenses
- Minimum of six credit hours per school year
- C grade or higher in all classes
Family Home Professional Scholarship
Supports:
Family/home child care professionals seeking
- The Child Development Certificate, or
- An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education
Covers:
- 100% of tuition
- 100% of books
Scholar Responsibility:
- Travel expenses
- Minimum of six credit hours per school year
- C grade or higher in all classes
Sponsoring Program/Employer Responsibility:
- Depending on the program’s ability and the scholars’ need, the program/school will work with the scholar to find a predetermined weekly release time to benefit both parties.
ECECD works to connect New Mexico students with scholarships that support careers in the early childhood field. Visit ececdscholarship.org for more information.
Graduate-level scholarships may become available, depending upon funding.