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New Mexico’s Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) offers the ECECD Scholarship in collaboration with CNM-Ingenuity in order to assist early childhood professionals in their pursuit of higher certificates and degrees.
Early childhood programs in New Mexico and the statewide system that relies on caring, knowledgeable people who work with children and families are the focus of this scholarship. All early childhood educators, administrators, and program directors in New Mexico are eligible to apply for the ECECD Scholarship.
The following is a complete guide to the ECECD Scholarship.
About ECECD Scholarship
The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department has established the ECECD Scholarship to satisfy the needs of early childhood educators and professionals at all educational levels.
Students earning certifications, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, and master’s or doctoral degrees can all benefit from the program.
In general, students who are awarded these scholarships are given assistance in formulating a unique strategy for advancing their professional careers. The prizes provide financing for one year, with the option of a second year.
ECECD Scholarship for Associate Degree or Certificate
ECECD approves the following programs in its scholarship program for associate degrees:
- Child Development
- Program Administration
- Infant Family Studies
- Community Health Worker (Home Visiting or FIT Program only)
- Early Childhood Education Birth to Age 3
- Early Childhood Education Age 3 to Grade 3
- Social Work (Home Visiting or FIT Program only)
The full cost of tuition and fees is covered by the scholarship. Only textbook purchases for courses that have been approved can be made at 100%.
Scholars are responsible for all purchases and expenses, including travel expenses, that they make without permission. A minimum of six credit hours and a grade of C or better must be maintained in all classes by the recipients each contract year as well.
ECECD Scholarship for Bachelor Degree
ECECD approves the following programs in its scholarship program for bachelor degrees:
- Early Childhood Education Birth to Age 3
- Early Childhood Education Age 3 to Grade 3
- Early Childhood Education Program Administration Concentration
- Early Childhood Education Infant Family Studies Concentration
- Alternative Licensure with Early Childhood Education Concentration
- Pre K-12 Special Education Licensure with Early Childhood Education Concentration
- Social Work (Home Visiting or FIT Program only)
- Counseling (Home Visiting or Fit Program only)
The scholarship covers all of the costs associated with attending college. In addition, only textbooks purchased for approved courses are eligible for a 50 percent discount.
Authorized purchases, textbook charges, and other expenses, such as travel fees, fall under the purview of the student. Students must finish six credit hours each year and maintain at least a C grade in all classes to be eligible for the program.
ECECD Scholarship for Masters and Doctorate Degree
Graduate-level scholarships may be available, depending on funding. The scholarship covers the remaining 20% of the cost of attendance. All textbooks and other charges, including travel fees, are the responsibility of the students.
Additional requirements include completing six credit hours per contract year and maintaining a grade of C or better in all courses.
Eligibility Requirements
ECECD New Mexico Scholarship is open to early childhood educators, administrators, and program directors who:
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED/HSE)
- Are enrolled in a qualifying New Mexico higher education institution working toward an early childhood degree or New Mexico Child Development Certificate
- Work a minimum of 20 hours per week at a:
- New Mexico licensed, or registered home, child care program;
- State-funded PreK or early PreK program in a community-based or public school setting;
- Head Start or Early Head Start;
- State-funded Home Visiting Program; or
- Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program
ECECD Scholarship Application
To apply, please visit the ECECD Scholarship website and complete the online application form (English or Spanish). Creating a password is as simple as typing in your email address and clicking the “Sign Up” button. In the portal, you will be able to log in using the password you have chosen.
You only need to set up one account. Make sure you answer all of the questions. Your progress and saving will be hindered if you miss an opportunity to answer a question in the application.
During each semester of school, you will need to fill out a new application. Select the semester you would like to apply to when filling out the application form. Your application will include this semester’s information.
It is not required that you develop all of your applications at once. Do not apply for more than one semester at a time; instead, submit an application for each semester that you require.
The selected candidates can begin working with their designated coach as soon as they get their scholarship awards. Scholars must meet the standards for grades, course hours, and work in an appropriate early childhood program in order to remain eligible for financial aid.
Closing Date
The application deadline for each semester is different. All applications for ECECD Scholarships must be received by the following dates to be considered:
- April 1: Application window opens for new school year: Summer | Fall | Spring
- June 15: Deadline to apply and upload all required verification documents for Summer Scholarship
- July 15: Deadline to apply and upload all required verification documents for late-start Summer classes.
- September 15: Deadline to apply and upload all required verification documents for Fall Scholarship
- October 15: Deadline to apply and upload all required verification documents for late-start Fall classes.
- February 15: Deadline to apply and upload all required verification documents for Spring Scholarship
- March 15: Deadline to apply and upload all required verification documents for late-start Spring classes.
Contact Details
If you need help, contact the ECECD Team at 505-224-3232 or send your inquiries to info@ececdscholarship.org.
ECECD Scholarship Official Website
Finally, apply to or learn more about the scholarship by visiting the ECECD Scholarship website at https://ececdscholarship.org.
