Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Up to $7,500 a year for early childhood workers earning an early childhood education associate's, certificate or bachelor's degree at an Illinois college.
- How much
- up to $7,500 per academic year
- Who qualifies
- Current or former early childhood worker (teacher, assistant teacher, director, family childcare provider or assistant) in a licensed or license-exempt facility; Gateways to Opportunity Registry member
- Working toward an AAS/certificate or a bachelor's degree in early childhood education at a participating Illinois college; good academic standing; not in default. Expected to work in Illinois early childhood care and education afterward.
- For undergrads, adults going back to school
- For early childhood education students
- U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- When to apply
- Open now Annual priority date around May 31 (2026-27: May 31, 2026, now passed); the application stays open after that and late applicants are funded only if money remains.
- How to apply
- Complete the Gateways to Opportunity Registry Eligibility Verification Form, confirm your college participates in ECACE, then submit the ECACE application (ISAC Student Portal) and the FAFSA, listing your college on both
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA + membership
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (isac.org)
The details
Helps people who work, or have worked, in early childhood care and education. Pays toward cost of attendance up to $7,500 for the academic year at participating Illinois 2- and 4-year public and nonprofit private colleges. Part-time (3+ credit hours) or full-time. Recipients are expected to keep working, or return to work, in Illinois early childhood care and education. Priority goes to past recipients, students close to graduating, and those with the lowest SAI. Financial need is not required.
More money from Illinois
- Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grantup to $8,400 per year (tuition and mandatory fees only)
- AIM HIGH Grant Programvaries by university
- Higher Education License Plate (HELP) Programvaries; tuition and mandatory fees only
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.