Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship

Advance Your Career in Early Childhood Education

Do you want to advance in your career as an early childhood educator or become an early childhood professional?

Applications for the 2026–27 academic year will open on Wednesday, January 21.

What Does The Scholarship Cover?

100% of tuition and eligible fees are covered, plus up to $250 in books per course. The scholarship will serve as a “last dollar” scholarship, meaning it will cover everything that students’ federal grants and other scholarships do not cover.

Which Academic/Degree Pathways are Available?

Basic & Advanced Certificates

Associate's Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Licensure or Non-Licensure track (Associate to Bachelor pathway)

Alternative Licensure Program

Licensure for current ECE professionals with earned Bachelor’s degree

Coursework to earn:

Endorsement

Gateways Credentials

Who Should Apply?

Current Early Childhood Education Professionals and Students

Already working in a Chicago Early Learning program? Use the scholarship to earn your degree or boost your Gateways credential level.

Aspiring Educators, Early Childhood Professionals, and New Students

Dreaming of becoming an early childhood educator? Get the support you need to start your career and join the Chicago Early Learning workforce.

Chicago-based Individuals

If you live in Chicago and want to make a difference in young children’s lives, this opportunity is for you. Apply to begin your ECE pathway today.

The Workforce Scholarship Isn’t Just for Teachers

The Workforce Scholarship is your pathway into early childhood education. It is open to all Chicago residents, whether you’re a seasoned professional, a recent high school graduate, a parent of a child in an early childhood program, or a DACA recipient. It is also open to early education professionals engaged in roles beyond the classroom setting.

Learn More About Career Pathways
The Workforce Scholarship is also for the whole ECE field, including:

Infant/Toddler Teachers

Family Engagement Specialists

Education and Development Coordinators

Preschool Teachers

Early Childhood Directors

Anyone serious about entering the ECE workforce!

Employment & Program Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must meet the qualifications for employment in a Chicago Early Learning program. This includes passing FBI, State of Illinois, and Sex Offender background checks. Individuals with felonies are not eligible.

3-Year Work Commitment

Scholarship recipients must commit to working for at least three years in a Chicago Early Learning program after completing their degree or approved academic program. This includes roles in CPS Pre-K and community-based programs funded by Head Start, Early Head Start, Preschool for All (PFA), and Prevention Initiative (PI).

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Where Can I Learn More?

If you've already applied, look out for an email from us with the next steps for the screening phase. Have questions about the scholarship? Email scholarships@chilearn.org for more information.

Get In Touch

Scholarship Success Stories

Scholarship Success Stories

“My heart is in the classroom. You have to love what you do. [The Workforce Scholarship] can only help you accomplish your goals. It’s doable, and it’s going to save you money. There is also some flexibility in terms of your work schedule and course load.”
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Evelyn Patino
City Colleges of Chicago and Workforce Scholarship Alumni
“It’s my passion. I love being with children. People ask me all the time, ‘Don’t you miss being with grownups?’ I tell them I prefer being with children because there’s no drama. Children need more role models in their lives; they need more educators. Children are so delicate, so we really need people to take care of them."
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Charlene Barrios
City Colleges of Chicago and Workforce Scholarship Alumni
“I wanted to go back to school, but I didn’t know how I was going to pay for it. So, I applied for the Workforce Scholarship. This scholarship has changed my life and I would have never have been able to have all of the resources and skills that I need for the classroom if it wasn’t for the Workforce Scholarship"
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Timothy Avant
City Colleges of Chicago and Workforce Scholarship Alumni
“Before the program, I would often doubt my abilities. At times, I even felt I wasn't good enough. That’s when I leaned on my college family of educators and advisors, as well as my family and peers. Today—because of it—I am a teacher who ensures that all my students reach their highest potential. I’m thankful to have received the scholarship because it gave me the tools to shape the next generations of doctors, teachers, leaders, and more. I want everyone to know that this program is impacting my life and our world for the better.”
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Charlene Macklin
City Colleges of Chicago and Workforce Scholarship Alumni
“Before the program, I would often doubt my abilities. At times, I even felt like I was not good enough. That’s when I leaned on my college family of educators and advisors, as well as my family and peers. Today, because of [The Workforce Scholarship], I am a teacher who ensures that all my students reach their highest potential. I’m thankful to have received the scholarship because it gave me the tools to shape the next generations of doctors, teachers, leaders, and more. I want everyone to know that this program is impacting my life and our world for the better.”
Read the Full Story
Charlene Macklin
Workforce Scholarship Alumni
“Before the program, I would often doubt my abilities. At times, I even felt like I was not good enough. That’s when I leaned on my college family of educators and advisors, as well as my family and peers. Today, because of [The Workforce Scholarship], I am a teacher who ensures that all my students reach their highest potential. I’m thankful to have received the scholarship because it gave me the tools to shape the next generations of doctors, teachers, leaders, and more. I want everyone to know that this program is impacting my life and our world for the better.”
Read the Full Story
Charlene Macklin
Workforce Scholarship Alumni

About the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (CELWS)

The Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (CELWS) is a citywide initiative created through a partnership between the Mayor’s Office, City Colleges of Chicago—Harry S. Truman College, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and the Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS). CELWS supports both aspiring and current early childhood professionals as they pursue credentials, degrees, endorsements, or licensure to work with children from birth through Pre-K. By expanding access to higher education and career pathways, CELWS strengthens Chicago’s early learning system and workforce through strong institutional partnerships and tailored student support.

College & University Partner Resources

Discover degree programs, credentials, and funding opportunities through our trusted college and university partners, as well as statewide organizations that support early childhood educators in Illinois.

City Colleges of Chicago

Programs in Child Development, Human Development and Family Studies, Social Work.

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)

Early Childhood Alternative Licensure Program.

National Louis University

Associate-to-Bachelor Pathway, B.A. in Applied Education Studies, ECE, and Infant-Toddler Studies.

Roosevelt University

Associate-to-Bachelor Pathway, B.A. in Early Childhood Education.

Unlock Exclusive Tools & Resources

Want access to exclusive services like mentorship opportunities, career navigation support, and networking events? Sign up for free to become a member of the EWC!

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Have Questions? We’ve Got You Covered.

Do you have questions about the scholarship or need help getting started? Visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions about eligibility, applications, and available support.

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