Virginia Early Educator Scholarship Program
Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
Pays in-state tuition and fees for up to two early-childhood courses a semester at Virginia community colleges (or approved Montessori programs), up to $4,480 total, for people working or planning to work in Virginia child care.
- How much
- In-state tuition and fees for up to 2 approved courses per semester; lifetime maximum $4,480 (new applicants)
- Who qualifies
- Employee of a Virginia early care and education program (or a Virginia resident intending to work in one)
- Enrolled in approved early childhood courses toward a Career Studies Certificate or AAS in Early Childhood Development at a Virginia community college, or a SCHEV-accredited Montessori certification program. Must pass funded courses.
- For trade school students, undergrads, adults going back to school
- For early childhood education students
- When to apply
- Opens later Each term: summer Mar 15-Apr 24, fall Jun 15-Jul 25, spring Oct 15-Nov 21 (2026 dates); may close early if funds run out.
- How to apply
- Enroll in approved courses first, then apply online in VDOE's Early Educator Scholarship portal during the semester's application window
- Send your award letter to the college's business/financial aid office
- What you'll need
- state application + transcript
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (vaccscholarship.com) and page 2
The details
For early educators working toward a Career Studies Certificate or AAS in Early Childhood Development at a Virginia community college, or enrolled in a SCHEV-accredited Montessori certification program. Covers in-state tuition and fees (effective summer 2026) for up to two approved courses per semester; equivalent courses at Virginia four-year colleges, if approved by VDOE, get $500 per course. Lifetime maximum for new applicants: $4,480. It's 'first dollar' (applied before Pell and loans). Eligible: employees of a Virginia early care and education program, or Virginia residents who intend to work in one (employed applicants get priority). You must pass every funded course; a W or F ends eligibility. Funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run by VDOE.
More money from Virginia
- Virginia Space Grant Undergraduate STEM Research ScholarshipUp to $8,500 per year
- Virginia Space Grant Graduate STEM Research Fellowship$6,000 per year
- Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG)Up to $5,250 per year for undergraduates (2026-27 maximum); $5,000 for eligible graduate health-professions students; higher at Hampton and Virginia Union
- Two-Year College Transfer Grant (CTG)Up to $1,000 per year base; plus up to $1,000 STEM-N bonus; plus $1,000 incentive at NSU, ODU, Radford, UVA Wise, VCU and VSU
- Granville P. Meade Scholarship$2,000 per year for four years (most recent cycle)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia
- 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.