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Bachelor Degree Scholarship

Bachelor’s Degree Scholarship CLOSED — Applications Reopen June 2027

We believe that supporting Delaware’s early childhood 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 Bachelor’s 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 Bachelor’s 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 Bachelor’s Degree Scholarship reopens in June 2027.

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

Requirements for Scholarship Eligibility


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

Maintain a 
2.5 GPA

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

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

Explore ECIC Scholarship Eligible Bachelor’s Programs in Early Childhood Education

  • Early Childhood Education Birth to Grade 2

    Delaware State University


    Delaware State University’s Early Childhood program provides a high quality educational experience in working with children ages 3-8. With a heavy emphasis on direct, practical experience, the ECE major offers outstanding preparation for careers in teaching, research, administration, and related fields.

    Learn More About The Program Here
  • Early Childhood Education

    University of Delaware


    UD’s Early Childhood Education major prepares students to help young children–with and without special needs–to reach their full potential. Graduates can teach in public and private schools and child care programs, become early interventionists and advocates, or work for community service agencies.

    Learn More About The Program Here
  • Human Services – Concentration in Early Childhood Development

    University of Delaware


    UD’s Human Services Degree with a concentration in Early Childhood Education provides a pathway for students who want to pursue careers in early intervention, child care administration, and early care and education without public school teaching certification

    Learn More About The Program Here
  • Early Care & Education Birth to Grade 2

    Wilmington University


    The Bachelor of Science in Early Care and Education (Birth-Grade 2), one of Wilmington University’s four undergraduate teacher preparation programs, combines educational theory and classroom practice into specialized coursework that satisfies the Delaware Department of Education’s content knowledge requirements and qualifies our students to seek state certification to work in Delaware’s public-school-based early-learning centers which require a Delaware teaching license. This degree will allow you to teach children from birth through grade 2.

    Learn More About The Program Here
  • Education Studies, Concentration in Early Childhood Education

    Wilmington University


    The Wilmington University’s Bachelor of Science in Education Studies, Concentration in Early Childhood Education gives you the knowledge and skills to work effectively with children and youth in positions that do not require state licensure/certification. It can provide an early opportunity to enter a teacher licensure/certification program at a later date, or a strong foundation for students interested in areas such as learning theory, educational psychology, child development, and education best practices in preparation for a variety of other occupations and career paths.

    Learn More About The Program Here
  • Early Childhood Development

    University of the Potomac


    The University of the Potomac’s Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development prepares students to support the learning and development of young children through the study of curriculum planning, child development, inclusive practices, family engagement, behavior, early childhood administration, and teaching methods.

    Learn More About The Program Here

Bachelor’s Scholarship Incentives


Technology
Support

$250 Support
Stipend per Semester

$10,000
Completion Stipend*

*after six months continuous employment in early care and education

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 a bachelor’s 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 Bachelor Scholarship Application Preparation Handout

Bachelors 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 Bachelor Degree Scholarship.


Note: Only one scholarship application may be submitted at a time. The Bachelor’s Degree Scholarship application is currently closed and will reopen in 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.