Early Childhood Educators Scholarship jointly administered by: Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Massachusetts Board of Higher Education Office of Student Financial Assistance EEC Board March 11, 2008

ECE Scholarship Program – Purpose and Goals Improve child outcomes/program quality by increasing the number of degreed teachers working in early education and out-of-school time programs. Assist currently employed early education and care and out of school time staff to earn a higher education degree in order to meet EEC quality standards (i.e., preschool program standards, UPK, NAEYC accreditation). Decrease staff turnover.

ECE Scholarship Program – Overview/Legislative Requirements First funded in FY 2006 at $1M; funded at $4m in FY2008. Appropriated as an earmark within Board of Higher Education (BHE) larger Financial Aid account (line- item ). BHE and EEC required to jointly establish guidelines and application criteria. Funds intended to cover tuition, fees and related expenses for up to 3 courses per semester in degree granting programs. Eligible recipients must be working in early education and care program and must commit to a term of service after graduation.

ECE Scholarship Program – Current Eligibility Guidelines and Criteria* Massachusetts residency United States citizen or eligible non-citizen Not in default on other student loan or grant Matriculated undergraduate student in early childhood education, or related field No previous bachelor’s degree Employed in a center-based program or licensed family child care home in MA for at least one year Continue employment while enrolled in the required degree program Agree to continue working in the field in MA for 6 mos./semester of scholarship aid after completing their degree, or repay the funds *BHE and EEC discretion

ECE Scholarship Program – Approval Process Applications are received and processed by OSFA. If an applicant meets OSFA’s criteria, EEC verifies: Current employment; At least 1 year in field prior to application; and Supervisor recommendation. EEC returns approvals and denials to OSFA. OSFA notifies the applicant of their fall and spring award only; and verifies student is matriculated and registered. (Award amount is adjusted based on actual registration) OSFA submits payment to the college. If funding “freed-up,” after the spring “add/drop” period, students notified of additional summer awards.

ECE Scholarship Program – Award History FY 2006 $1M1139 applicants327 recipients FY 2007 $3M1108 applicants672 recipients (341 new) FY 2008 $4M1300 applicants930 recipients* (429 new) 1,891 first time applicants and 1,043 first time recipients over 3 years *Projected Data provided by the Office of Student Financial Assistance

ECE Scholarship Program – Number of Recipients by Institution Type Institution FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008* Community College State College University Mass Independent Colleges ~ 2,016 courses funded in FY 2006; and 3,505 in FY 2007 ~18% graduation rate in FY 2006; ~24% in FY 2007 *Projected Data provided by the Office of Student Financial Assistance

ECE Scholarship Program – Scholarship Rates Institution Per CreditMaximum Community College $150$1,350 per semester State College $300 $2,700 per semester University Mass $400 $3,600 per semester Independent Colleges* $400$3,600 per semester Maximum of 9 credits (3 courses) per semester.

ECE Scholarship Program – Recipient Income Ranges Income Range FY 2006 FY 2007 $0 - $ 9, $10,000 - $19, $20,000 - $39, $40,000 - $59, $60,000 - $79, $80,000 - $99, ,000 - above27 35 Pell Grant eligibility51%42% Data provided by the Office of Student Financial Assistance

ECE Scholarship Program – FY 2009 Process Improvements Under Discussion In Coordination with Department of Higher Education: Increase employer engagement through program-wide recommendations/submissions. Maximize other financial aid sources to eligible applicants. Provide colleges with more timely information about scholarship recipients to facilitate academic advising. Improve integration and alignment across EEC professional development initiatives.

ECE Scholarship Program – FY 2009 Policy Changes Under Discussion Target scholarship assistance based on: Applicant’s financial need; Percentage of low-income/at-risk children at applicant’s workplace. Require minimum number of work hours. Define “related field” and “specialized” coursework. Expand eligibility to students with a BA in an unrelated field seeking “specialized” coursework in early child education or out-of-school time programming. Increase academic accountability for on-going eligibility: Minimum GPA; Consequences for course withdrawal/failure.

ECE Scholarship Program – Proposed Timeline Met with Advisory TeamFebruary 28, 2008 EEC Board DiscussionMarch 11, 2008 EEC Board VoteApril 8, 2008 BHE Board MeetingApril 25, 2008 Release Application Spring 2008