Institute Menu

Early Childhood Workforce Scholarship

Attention

Scholarship applications are now open to apply. Please find the application button after the FAQs.


NOTE: As or June 2024 the CUNY-SUNY B5 Early Childhood Workforce funds have been exhausted. We are still taking applications, as we are placing candidates on a wait list if additional funds become available.

Eligibility

The Workforce Scholarship application process reviews applicants eligibility for several grants and scholarships. After applying for the Workforce Scholarship, qualifying applicants will be screened for the CUNY-SUNY Early Childhood Workforce Scholarship. Eligibility includes:

  • Applicants must be employed 20 hours or more per week in a licensed Child Care or Family/Group Family Child care setting.
  • Hold an Aspire Registry ID. Learn more and get your ID!
  • Applicants must be taking credit-bearing courses leading to a certificate, degree or credential.
  • Eligible applicants must also apply for EIP scholarships. This can be completed during the advisement meeting.
  • Individuals must receive the maximum EIP award before eligibility for the Early Childhood CUNY-SUNY B5 Workforce Scholarship funds.
  • The CUNY-SUNY B5 scholarship grant is needs-based and applicants must submit a 1040 and a current paystub to demonstrate the need for PDP EIP.
  • Selected applicants are required to meet with an Institute advisor to engage in career advisement activities, create a Study Plan and sign a participation agreement.

Contact

For Questions about the scholarship, contact: careeradvisor@earlychildhoodny.org

Frequently Asked Questions

➔ If I work in a Family/Group Family Day care, will I qualify?

Yes. This has been updated as of 2022.

➔ If I work as a nanny or babysitter, will I qualify for the scholarship?

No. All applicants must be working in a licensed facility that is regulated under OCFS or NYC DOHMH Article 47 regulations.

➔ What happens if I fail or drop a course? Will the scholarship still fund the course?

No. If a student fails, drops, or withdraws, the student becomes responsible for all financial liabilities with the school. If the Institute has already paid for the course, you will be responsible to reimburse the Institute and you will be unable to qualify for future scholarships until the debt is settled.

➔ How do I know if I received an Award?

Notification process depends on the award. EIP and the CUNY-SUNY B5 Early Childhood Workforce scholarships decisions can be found in the PDP portal, as well as an email from PDP. QUALITYstarsNY and the Institute Scholarship awardees are notified via email from the Early Childhood Career Development Center.

➔ How many classes will the CUNY-SUNY B5 Early Childhood Workforce scholarship cover?

The award will cover up to $2,000 for part time students. The B5 workforce scholarship requires students to be part-time. Students can participate in up to nine (9) credits or three courses. The maximum coverage for the B5 Workforce scholarship is $2,000.

➔ What is the total amount I could potentially qualify for?

Applicants must exhaust the $2,500 EIP first and then candidates will be eligible for an additional $2,000 for a total of $4,500 in 2024.

➔ Can I be disqualified from the program/award?

Yes. Students who do not submit grades or meet with their advisor as required, will be disqualified from the program.

Apply

Apply Now
x close

Select your regional Career Development Center

We now have Career Development Centers in all 10 economic development regions of New York State. Select the county you most often work, or plan to work in to help us match you with your regional team. We'll remember your selection for the next time you visit.

x close