Financial Aid
Choosing an academic program that supports your career goals is an important decision. Early Achievers Grants and Washington Scholarships for Child Care Professionals are two student financial aid resources that are prioritized for students who are employed by Early Achievers facilities.
Check with your college to find out about these and additional financial aid options. A degree in ECE is affordable with the many financial aid opportunities available.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid 101
What is financial aid? How does it work? Find information about that here!
Federal Student Aid
Get help paying for college. Submit a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All students who are interested in grants, work-study, and student loans must fill out a FAFSA. The FAFSA also determines eligibility for the Washington State Need Grant.
Washington Application for State Financial Aid
Low-income, non-citizen students who meet the program's residency and eligibility requirements may apply for the Washington State Need Grant by filling out the free Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
College Goal Washington
If you need assistance applying for financial aid, help is available! College Goal Washington is a free, on-site program that helps students and families complete the FAFSA or the WASFA. Events take place throughout the state each January and February. To find a site near you, please visit the link below.
Start Next Quarter
This link helps students find out if they qualify for financial aid. The survey is easy and confidential. Once all the questions have been answered the site will tell you what finacial aid you qualify for. You can then take your list to the college for more information or you can continue the process and click "Sign Up". Please visit the link below to get started.
Scholarships
Child Care Aware of Washington Scholarships
Child Care Aware of Washington Scholarships support early learning professionals who wish to expand and enrich their expertise in early childhood education. These scholarships support students who are pursuing a bachelor's degree or coaching credential.
For more information, contact us at scholarships@wa.childcareaware.org or 866-308-3224.
Early Achievers Grants
This scholarship program is administered by the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. It supports students pursuing an associate's degree or an Early Childhood Education stackable certificate. Applications are available through participating Washington community and technical colleges.
To apply, please contact an Early Achievers Grant point of contact. Follow the link below for a list of program contacts.
Opportunity Grant
Many colleges offer general opportunity grants. Please check with your local college for more details.
The Washboard
The Washboard is a free scholarship matching service that helps connect Washington residents with scholarships. Scholarship seekers fill out a profile, and The Washboard matches you with scholarships that fit.
Washington Student Achievement Council
Washington Student Achievement Council provides strategic planning, oversight, and advocacy to support increased student success and higher levels of educational attainment in Washington.
Ready, Set, Grad
Ready, Set, Grad is a website managed by the Washington Student Achievement Council. It includes information about how to apply to and pay for college in Washington State.