JB Pritzker, Governor, State of Illinois

2024-25 ECACE Scholarship Application Available – Priority Access to Funding Date: August 11

07/18/2024

ECACE Logo

The 2024-25 application for the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program is now available to complete and submit.

Effective with the 2024-25 academic year, several important changes have taken effect for this program. Please be sure to carefully read this communication before completing and submitting an application.

What's New for the 2024-25 Application and Awarding Processes?

  • For the first time since the program's creation, it will be funded by the State of Illinois rather than by federal funds.
    • Because considerably less funding is available, the number of recipients in 2024-25 will likely be significantly limited, and – while new applicants may apply – the program is expected to be able to support only a portion of renewal applicants (i.e., applicants who received program funding in the prior year).
    • The maximum annual award a student may receive is the lesser of $7,500 or the cost of attendance after other aid is considered.
  • Post-baccalaureate students (i.e., graduate students) are not eligible to complete the 2024-25 ECACE Scholarship application – only undergraduate students may apply.
  • 2024-25 ECACE Scholarships will not fund the summer 2025 term (i.e., awards will be made for the fall, winter and spring terms only).
  • Program eligibility is based on an applicant's financial need, as determined by the Student Aid Index (SAI).

General Information

  • The ECACE Scholarship Program was created to address the shortage of early childhood educators and build a well-prepared workforce by encouraging the pursuit of credentials and advancement of already-held degrees in early childhood education.
  • Awards are available for study at public and non-profit private two- and four-year Gateways-entitled and Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity member institutions.
  • Applicants must submit an ECACE application and the FAFSA or Alternative Application for each academic year in which benefits are to be used.
    • In order to receive priority access to funding, the 2024-25 ECACE Scholarship application and the 2024-25 FAFSA or Alternative Application must be submitted on or before Sunday, August 11, 2024.
      • Applications received after August 11th will be given consideration only if funding remains available after all timely, qualified applicants have been awarded.
    • To determine your eligibility for the scholarship, the ECACE-participating Illinois college at which you plan to use the award must be listed on your FAFSA or Alternative Application.
    • Be sure to review the program eligibility requirements for the 2024-25 academic year prior to submitting an application.
  • Awarding prioritization is as follows:
    1. Timely renewal students who: received an ECACE Scholarship under the federally-funded program in the prior academic year; continue to meet all program eligibility requirements; and, demonstrate financial need as indicated via the SAI.
    2. Timely new students who: meet all program eligibility requirements; and, demonstrate financial need as indicated via the SAI. (Please note that is very unlikely there will be sufficient funding to award any new students during the 2024-25 academic year.)
  • Although there is no teaching commitment connected to the award, recipients are expected to continue or return to teaching or direct services in the early childhood care and education field after they complete their program of study.
  • Learn more about the program – including eligibility requirements and how to apply – by visiting these resources at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) website (isac.org):

Need Assistance Completing the FAFSA?

If you tried to complete the FAFSA earlier this year and had difficulty because of technical issues, know that many of these issues have been fixed. Plus, ISAC offers free help statewide to assist you in completing the application quickly and easily.

  • Book a free virtual appointment with our ISAC FAFSA experts at https://bit.ly/4birpF5.
  • Participate in an upcoming Financial Aid Application Completion Workshop.

Additional Teaching Resources

Visit the Teaching page of the Students & Parents area of the ISAC website to find links to resources that include (but are not limited to):

  • details about teacher preparation and certification in Illinois;
  • information on state and federal gift assistance programs that are designed for students who plan to teach; and,
  • facts about state and federal loan cancellation/forgiveness/repayment programs that are available for teachers.

Invite Your Colleagues/Friends to Subscribe to ISAC's e-Messaging Service

If you have colleagues or friends who may be interested in the "Students" and/or "Teaching Professionals/Education Major Students" groups but do not currently subscribe to ISAC's e-Messaging service, encourage them to sign up at the Students/Parents e-Messaging page.

You are receiving this message because you registered for ISAC's e-Messaging service through the Students/Teaching Professionals subscription group.

If you have any questions about this e-Message, please contact the ISAC Call Center by calling toll free at 800.899.ISAC (4722), sending an e-mail message to isac.studentservices@illinois.gov or chatting live with one of our representatives through the "Live Support-Online" button in the Students & Parents area of our website.

Get information anytime about the college-going process and ISAC programs on ISAC's website and Student Portal, both accessible at isac.org.