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Associate Degree Scholarship

Associate Degree Scholarship CLOSED — Applications Reopen June 2027

We believe that supporting our educators is the first step to supporting our children and our future.

This starts with ensuring that early childhood educators have equal access to professional development opportunities and educational betterment, free of financial barriers that limit career growth. 

Prepare for the Next Application Period

The DE RISE Associate Degree Scholarship applications reopen in June 2027. You can start preparing now so you are ready when applications open.

Steps You Can Take Now

  • Explore eligible degree programs at ECIC partner colleges and universities and identify the program that fits your goals.
  • Apply to your selected college or university and complete any admissions, transcript, placement, or transfer-credit requirements.
  • Prepare for financial aid. Create or update your Federal Student Aid account and complete the 2027–28 FAFSA. The ECIC application requires financial aid documentation from your college or university. Visit Federal Student Aid .
  • Review the DE RISE Associate Degree Preparation Handout for additional guidance on preparing for the next scholarship application period.

Starting these steps early can help you be ready to apply when the Associate Degree Scholarship reopens in June 2027.

Looking for more scholarship information and helpful materials? Explore ECIC Resources .

Requirements for Scholarship Eligibility

Tuition covered up to 13 credits per semester at approved college/university

Maintain a 
2.5 GPA

Work in an OCCL licensed childcare setting at least 20 hours per week  in the state of Delaware

Enrollment in an approved degree program at a partner college or university

Explore ECIC Scholarship Eligible Associate Programs in Early Childhood Education

  • Early Childhood Education and Administration Associate Degree

    Delaware State University

    The Delaware State University’s (DSU) Early Childhood Education and Administration Associate Degree will take educators to the next level in their careers while honoring the wealth of experience and passion they bring to early childhood education.

    DSU’s Early Childhood Education and Administration Associate of Arts program is culturally responsive, offers flexible learning options, and includes an entrepreneurial focus. The Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Administration at DSU is a comprehensive curriculum that aims to provide a supportive learning environment all while fostering professional growth. This degree will not only provide career advancement opportunities for educators but will also immensely impact the local community.

    Learn More About The Program Here

  • Early Childhood Development

    Delaware Technical Community College

    Delaware Tech’s Early Childhood Development degree will give you the knowledge and skills required to enter the early childhood field. The Delaware Tech degree will teach you curriculum development and implementation, communication skills, and classroom management strategies. You will also participate in a number of practical experiences that provide the hands-on training needed to be successful in this field.

    Learn More About The Program Here

  • Early Care and Education Birth to Second Grade

    Delaware Technical Community College

    You will learn how to implement developmentally appropriate practices based on state standards. You will also participate in practicum activities in public and private school systems and gain hands-on experience at the Delaware Tech Child Development Center. You will develop lesson plans that are sensitive to diversity, and establish and maintain safe environments and programs for early childhood children. This program is approved and accredited by the Delaware Department of Education.

    Learn More About The Program Here

  • Associate in Early Childhood Education

    University of Delaware

    Designed for both working professionals and full-time students, the Associate in Early Childhood Education (ECE) gives students the skills and knowledge necessary for delivering high-quality early care and education for children from birth to age 5 in center-based and home-based settings.

    Learn More About The Program Here

  • Early Childhood Development

    University of the Potomac

    The University of the Potomac’s Associate of Science in Early Childhood Development provides students with foundational knowledge and skills for working with young children.

    Coursework includes child growth and development, classroom management, family and community relationships, health and safety, curriculum, language arts, science and math concepts, and supervised field experience.

    Learn More About The Program Here

Associate Scholarship Incentives

Technology
Support

$250
Support Stipend per Semester

$2500
30 Credit Milestone Stipend

*coming into the program with under 30 credits and obtaining 30 or more credits while in our scholarship program

$5000
Completion Stipend*

*after six months continuous employment in early care and education

Continuation Stipend

$1000

For enrolling and being accepted to pursue your Bachelor’s degree within 6 months

$500

For enrolling and being accepted to pursue your Bachelor’s degree within 1 year

CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING

The ECIC works closely with colleges and universities across Delaware to support and strengthen articulation agreements that help create a smoother transition between credentials earned at different institutions.

For students pursuing an Associate Degree, the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential, a nationally recognized credential in early childhood education, may be considered for credit for prior learning at participating ECIC partner colleges and universities that offer early childhood degree programs. When approved by the institution, these credits may be applied toward completion of the degree.

Current partners include:

Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College, University of the Potomac, Wilmington University

View the Associate Scholarship Application Preparation Handout

Associate Degree Scholarship CLOSED — Applications Reopen June 2027

How to Apply

  1. Log in or create an account in the Delaware Early Care and Education Portal.
  2. Click the “Professional Portal” icon.
  3. Select “View My Scholarship Journey” and complete the requested information.
  4. From the “My Scholarship Type” dropdown, choose Associate Degree Scholarship.



Note: Only one scholarship application may be submitted at a time. The Associate Degree Scholarship application is currently closed and will reopen in June 2027.

Applications Reopen June 2027

Still Have Questions?

Not sure how the ECIC could help with your career?
Reach out to us!

Our team is happy to answer any questions you might have and talk through your goals for your career in early childhood education. 

Contact Us