College Scholarship Opportunities for Early Childhood Professionals in Virginia

Oct 13, 2023

Virginia has two programs available to help early educators access educational opportunities that provide a foundation in early childhood care and education. Click here to view the flyer from the Virginia Department of Education and Virginia Early Childhood Foundation.

Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship

The Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program (VCCPSP) is available to early childhood professionals for coursework that will help improve the quality of care for children.

The VCCPSP pays for tuition at a Virginia community college for up to two approved courses per semester (fall, spring, summer) when eligibility criteria are met. Scholarships may also be available for students attending a four-year college or university in Virginia if courses are comparable to approved community college courses.

Learn more about the Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program at vaccscholarship.com or email them at vaccscholarship@doe.virginia.edu.

Project Pathfinders Funding Program

Project Pathfinders funding is available to early childhood professionals who are currently employed working with children ages infant-PreK and want to complete a certificate or degree in early childhood development at a Virginia community college. Employment can be in a family day home, a child care center, PreK in a public school, or a faith-based preschool/child care program.

Project Pathfinders can pay for tuition and fees for up to two courses per semester as well as for textbooks that are required for approved courses.

Learn more about the Project Pathfinders Funding Program at vecf.org (click on Funding Opportunities) or email them at pathfinders@vecf.org.

Annual Application Periods for Both Scholarship Programs

Applicants need to apply for each semester they plan to attend college and are required to apply for the VCCPSP prior to submitting their Project Pathfinders application.

Fall Semester: June 15 – open for about 6 weeks

Spring Semester: October 15 – open for about 6 weeks

Summer Semester: March 15 – open for about 6 weeks.