Scholarship Opportunity

Early Childhood Educators Scholarship

Offered by Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

The Massachusetts Early Childhood Educators Scholarship provides financial assistance to prospective and currently employed early childhood and out-of-school-time educators and providers who pursue an approved certificate, associate, bachelor's, or master's degree. The program is designed to strengthen the early education and care workforce serving young children and school-age youth in Massachusetts.

EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelCollege Freshman, College Sophomore, College Junior, College Senior, Graduate Student, Adult Learner

Application Timeline

Important application dates

This scholarship offers more than one application cycle. Review each window carefully before applying.

2026–2027 Award Year

OpensApril 1, 2026
DeadlineSeptember 1, 2026

Eligibility

  • Meet applicable Massachusetts residency and state financial aid eligibility requirements.
  • Be a prospective or currently employed early childhood or out-of-school-time educator or provider under the program's eligibility rules.
  • Enroll in an approved certificate, associate, bachelor's, or master's degree program.
  • Pursue an approved area of study related to early childhood education, child development, education, human services, psychology, social work, or another eligible field.
  • Attend an eligible Massachusetts institution participating in the program.
  • Have an active Early Education and Care Professional Qualifications Registry Number.
  • Meet applicable academic and financial aid eligibility requirements.
  • Continue meeting applicable employment or workforce requirements established by the program.

Requirements

  • Complete the FAFSA or applicable Massachusetts financial aid application.
  • Create or maintain a MASSAid Student Portal account.
  • Complete the Early Childhood Educators Scholarship application through the MASSAid Student Portal.
  • Maintain an active EEC Professional Qualifications Registry Number.
  • Enroll in an approved program and eligible area of study.
  • Complete any additional documentation requested by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance or participating institution.
  • Meet applicable employment and continued-service requirements.

How to Apply

  1. 1Complete the FAFSA or applicable Massachusetts financial aid application.
  2. 2Create a MASSAid Student Portal account if you do not already have one.
  3. 3Make sure your EEC Professional Qualifications Registry Number is active.
  4. 4Complete the Early Childhood Educators Scholarship application in the MASSAid Student Portal.
  5. 5Confirm that your institution and program of study are eligible.
  6. 6Submit the scholarship application by September 1, 2026.
  7. 7Respond to any additional verification or documentation requests.
  8. 8Reapply in future award years if you continue to meet program requirements.