The ECIC Honors 251 Early Childhood Educators at the 2026 Delaware RISE Scholarship Recognition Ceremony
DOVER, Del. — The Early Childhood Innovation Center at Delaware State University celebrated the achievements of 251 early childhood educators during the 2026 Delaware RISE Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center on the Delaware State University campus, the ceremony brought together scholars, families, coaches, ECIC staff, educational partners, sponsors, and community supporters to recognize the determination and professional growth of educators serving children and families throughout Delaware.
The 2026 honorees included:
- 222 educators who earned their Child Development Associate® credential
- 19 scholars who earned an associate degree
- 10 scholars who earned a bachelor’s degree
Together, these accomplishments represent 251 educators who are now nationally credentialed, college graduates, or both.
“The ECIC team and I are thrilled to celebrate your dedication and passion in obtaining your CDA, associate, or bachelor’s degrees,” said Dr. Kimberly Krzanowski, the Executive Director of the Early Childhood Innovation Center. “We know that all of you will continue to make impressive impacts in your local communities while supporting young children and their families.”
Celebrating Scholars at Every Stage
The scholars recognized at this year’s ceremony ranged in age from 17 to 68, demonstrating that professional growth and educational achievement can happen at every stage of a career.
Degree scholars also continued to demonstrate strong academic performance. Associate degree scholars achieved an average Spring 2026 grade point average of 3.61, while bachelor’s degree scholars earned an average GPA of 3.37.
Beyond the credentials and degrees awarded, the scholars’ collective impact extends into early learning programs and communities across the state. Through their work, the 2026 honorees have the potential to support and influence the development of more than 3,000 children throughout Delaware.
The ceremony recognized CDA® scholars from ECIC’s comprehensive, high school, voucher-only, and renewal pathways. Associate and bachelor’s degree scholars were also celebrated as graduates and alumni of Delaware Technical Community College, Wilmington University, the University of Delaware, and Delaware State University.
Building Delaware’s Early Childhood Workforce
Since beginning its work in June 2023, the ECIC has remained focused on expanding access to high-quality credentials, college degrees, career advisement, coaching, and other supports for Delaware’s early childhood professionals.
The Center currently supports more than 900 scholars pursuing CDA® credentials, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Through scholarships, individualized guidance, and partnerships with institutions and organizations across the state, the ECIC is helping educators advance professionally while strengthening the quality and stability of Delaware’s early childhood workforce.
The recognition ceremony reflected the Center’s commitment to celebrating not only completed credentials and degrees, but also the perseverance required to reach those milestones. Scholars were honored for balancing employment, education, family responsibilities, and service to young children while continuing to invest in their professional futures.
The ECIC also acknowledged the coaches, coordinators, navigators, staff members, educational institutions, and community partners whose continued guidance helped scholars move successfully through their programs.
The 2026 Delaware RISE Scholarship Recognition Ceremony was proudly supported by First Ascent and Kaplan Early Learning Company. Their sponsorship helped the ECIC create a meaningful celebration of achievement and the professionals shaping the future of early childhood education in Delaware.
Through Delaware RISE, which stands for Recognizing Individuals’ Success in Early Care and Education, the ECIC continues to honor the educators who care for, teach, and inspire Delaware’s youngest learners.
View photos from the 2026 Delaware RISE Scholarship Recognition Ceremony:
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCYZez
Explore and download photos from the event photobooth(Password 0711):
https://boothpics.com/V8B5