ECECD Scholarship Information

Your path to credentials and degrees

Scholarship Applications are closed until April 1, 2024.  You can apply for Summer 2024 or Fall 2024 on April 1.

The ECECD (Early Childhood Education and Care Department) Comprehensive Early Childhood Scholarship Program makes it possible for early childhood professionals to afford the expense of taking coursework that leads to credentials and degrees. 

The ECECD Scholarship is based on a cost-share model to New Mexico early childhood educators working at a:

  • New Mexico licensed or registered childcare setting;
  • Tribal child care;
  • New Mexico Pre-K or Early Pre-K program in a community-based setting;
  • New Mexico Pre-K or Early Pre-K program authorized by a public school or charter including Title I or 619 Preschool Program;
  • New Mexico Head Start or Early Head Start program;
  • New Mexico Tribal Head Start or Early Head Start program;
  • state-funded New Mexico Home Visiting program;
  • state-funded New Mexico Family Infant Toddler (FIT)-Early Intervention Program
  • ECECD-funded Early Childhood Coalition Programs

To qualify for a scholarship, all applicants must:

  1. Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  2. Enroll in a qualifying New Mexico institution of higher education (IHE) and work towards a degree or certificate in Early Childhood Education.
  3. Work a minimum of 20 hours per week at a qualifying Early Childhood Program in the state of New Mexico or as determined by a pre-approved internship program.
  4. Remain eligible throughout the duration of the scholarship.
  5. See additional responsibilities below.

Approved Certificate and Degree Programs:

(If you do not see your degree program listed below, please contact us to verify you would qualify)

Certificate:

  • Child Development
  • Program Administration
  • Infant Family Studies
  • Community Health Worker (Home Visiting/FIT Program only)

Associates:

  • Early Childhood Education Birth to Age 3
  • Early Childhood Education Age 3 to Grade 3
  • Program Administration
  • Infant Family Studies
  • Social Work (Home Visiting/FIT Program only)

Bachelors/Graduate:

  • Early Childhood Education Birth to Age 3
  • Early Childhood Education Age 3 to Grade 3
  • Early Childhood Education Program Administration Concentration
  • Early Childhood Education Infant Family Studies Concentration
  • Alternative Licensure with Early Childhood Education concentration (must complete within 2 years)
  • Pre K-12 Special Education Licensure with Early Childhood Education concentration
  • Social Work (Home Visiting/FIT Program only)
  • Counseling (Home Visiting Program only)

Read on to learn more about the responsibilities associated with each scholarship model or click on the link to the left to access your specific credential or degree program.  Our dedicated coaches are here to help you and answer any questions.

Certificate/Associates Degree

For scholars pursuing a Certificate or an Associate’s degree in an approved course of study:

Scholarship Responsibility:

  • Scholarship pays 100% of tuition and fees (the ECECD scholarship pays AFTER all other Financial Aid has been applied to your account).
  • Receipt of Financial Aid is not a requirement for receiving the scholarship; however, all scholars are encouraged to apply for Financial Aid. 
  • Scholarship pays 100% of textbooks for approved courses.
  • Scholarship reimburses 100% of PRAXIS testing costs upon verification of passed exam score.
  • Scholars are awarded one semester of funding with the possibility of renewal each semester.  Scholars must reapply every semester to submit verification documents.

Program Sponsor Responsibility:

  • Depending on the program’s ability and the scholars’ need, the program will work with the scholar to find a predetermined weekly release time to benefit both parties.

Scholar Responsibility:

  • Only textbook purchases for approved courses are authorized at 100%.  Scholar assumes responsibility for unauthorized purchases, and any other expenses, including any associated travel costs.  
  • You are encouraged to apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aide) and/or other scholarships; however, receipt of Financial Aid is not a requirement for the ECECD Scholarship.
  • It is recommended that a scholar complete a minimum of six credit hours per contract year.  Taking minimum credits per year can lead to prolonged degree attainment.
  • There is no specific GPA requirement for the scholarship program.  However, ECECD does not pay for failed courses that must be retaken to fulfill degree requirements.
  • Scholar must remain eligible throughout the duration of the scholarship.  Individuals who do not meet their scholarship requirements will be ineligible for additional awards.
  • Scholars are responsible for any tuition and fees associated with courses dropped after the specific drop/add deadline at their IHE.
  • The scholar commits to continue working in an Early Childhood program for the duration of the scholarship, plus one additional year.

Bachelor's Degree

For scholars pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in an approved course of study:

Scholarship Responsibility:

  • Scholarship pays 100% of tuition and fees (the ECECD scholarship pays AFTER all other Financial Aid has been applied to your account).
  • Receipt of Financial Aid is not a requirement for receiving the scholarship; however, all scholars are encouraged to apply for Financial Aid. 
  • Scholarship pays 100% of textbooks (beginning FALL 2022) for approved courses.
  • Scholarship reimburses 100% of PRAXIS testing costs upon verification of passed exam score.
  • Scholars are awarded one semester of funding with the possibility of renewal each semester.  Scholars must reapply every semester to submit verification documents.

Program Sponsor Responsibility:

  • Depending on the program’s ability and the scholars’ need, the program will work with the scholar to find a predetermined weekly release time to benefit both parties.

Scholar Responsibility:

  • Only textbook purchases for approved courses are authorized at 100%.  Scholar assumes responsibility for unauthorized purchases, as well as, any unpaid textbook charges and/or other expenses, including any associated travel costs.  
  • You are encouraged to apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aide) and/or other scholarships; however, receipt of Financial Aid is not a requirement for the ECECD Scholarship.
  • It is recommended that a scholar complete a minimum of six credit hours per contract year.  Taking minimum credits per year can lead to prolonged degree attainment.
  • There is no specific GPA requirement for the scholarship program.  However, ECECD does not pay for failed courses that must be retaken to fulfill degree requirements.
  • Scholar must remain eligible throughout the duration of the scholarship.  Individuals who do not meet their scholarship requirements will be ineligible for additional awards.
  • Scholars are responsible for any tuition and fees associated with courses dropped after the specific drop/add deadline at their IHE.
  • The scholar commits to continue working in an Early Childhood program for the duration of the scholarship, plus one additional year. 

Masters and Doctorate Degree

For scholars pursuing a graduate-level degree in an approved course of study:

Scholarship Responsibility:

  • Graduate-level scholarships may be available, depending on funding.
  • Scholarship pays 80% of tuition and fees (the ECECD scholarship pays AFTER all other Financial Aid has been applied to your account).
  • Receipt of Financial Aid is not a requirement for receiving the scholarship; however, all scholars are encouraged to apply for Financial Aid. 
  • Scholarship reimburses 100% of PRAXIS testing costs upon verification of passed exam score.
  • Scholars are awarded one semester of funding with the possibility of renewal each semester.

Program Sponsor Responsibility:

  • Depending on the program’s ability and the scholars’ need, the program will work with the scholar to find a predetermined weekly release time to benefit both parties.

Scholar Responsibility:

  • Scholar assumes responsibility for all textbooks and other expenses, including any associated travel costs.
  • You are encouraged to apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aide) and/or other scholarships; however, receipt of Financial Aid is not a requirement for the ECECD Scholarship.
  • It is recommended that a scholar complete a minimum of six credit hours per contract year.  Taking minimum credits per year can lead to prolonged degree attainment.
  • There is no specific GPA requirement for the scholarship program.  However, ECECD does not pay for failed courses that must be retaken to fulfill degree requirements.
  • Scholar must remain eligible throughout the duration of the scholarship.  Individuals who do not meet their scholarship requirements will be ineligible for additional awards.
  • Scholars are responsible for any tuition and fees associated with courses dropped after the specific drop/add deadline at their IHE.
  • The scholar commits to continue working in an Early Childhood program for the duration of the scholarship, plus one additional year.