Many organizations have sponsored child development grants for college students studying the finest practices for nurturing healthy, productive youngsters because children are our country’s future. Early childhood development students become specialists in the biological, psychological, cognitive, and social aspects of childhood development from birth through adolescence. Teaching, child care management, juvenile justice, social service agencies, family counseling, social work, curriculum design, counseling, educational services, and other occupations are all possible for graduates with a degree in child development. According to the BLS, the hiring of child development professionals in preschools and childcare centers is predicted to expand at a rate of 17 percent before 2022, which is substantially faster than the national average! If you’re ready to go into an in-demand job as an early childhood development expert, here are the greatest scholarships available to assist you to pay for your studies.
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1. Altra Howse Hamman Graduate Scholarship
The Altra Howse Hamman Graduate Scholarship is awarded yearly by the Department of Child and Family Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi to full-time grad students who have chosen a concentration in Family Life or Child Development. Candidates must have finished at least one semester of graduate work, have an absolute minimum GPA of 3.75, have never received a grade below a “B” in any subject, be of good moral character, and be native-born residents of the United States. Applicants do not have to be Mississippi natives to apply for the Carrie Herring Bennett Scholarship, but those who are are encouraged to do so.
Provided By: The Department of Child and Family Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 15th
Education: High school Graduate
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2. Ann-Marie Ogletree Child Development Scholarship
The Ann-Marie Ogletree Child Development Fellowship, worth $1,200 per year, is given out by the Cleveland Foundation to inhabitants of the Greater Cleveland area who are completing studies in early childhood teaching, childhood development, human development, counseling, or a similar field. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a U.S. university, have a required cumulative GPA of 2.75, demonstrate financial need, and have a genuine willingness to work with children and/or teenagers to be considered. Preference will be given to underserved or underrepresented minority students from poor to moderate-income families.
Provided By: Cleveland Foundation
Amount: 1200 USD
Deadline: March 31st
Education: High school Graduate
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3. Bethesda Lutheran Scholastic and Service Scholarships
The Bethesda Lutheran Communities (BLC) gives two $3,000 Scholastic and Service Scholarships to Lutheran graduates each year to help them fund their freshman, sophomore, or junior year of school in an authorized field, such as child development. Candidates must be current communicant members of a Lutheran congregation, admitted into an authorized United States institution, have a minimum total GPA of 3.0, and want to work with children with intellectual disabilities.
Provided By: Bethesda Lutheran Communities
Amount: 1200 USD
Deadline: May 1st
Education: High school Graduate
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4. Betty Gray Childhood Development Scholarship
The Betty Gray Childhood Development Scholarship provides up to $1,000 in financial aid to students pursuing a degree in childhood development or early childhood education at any of Oregon’s 17 state universities each semester. Candidates must be engaged in an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associates of Applied Science (A.A.S.) program, work closely with students for at least 20 hours per week in a licensed Oregon childcare center, have an Oregon Registry STEP 3 or above, and be in full-time education. John and Betty Gray have graciously provided this scholarship to help students in the field of Child and Family Studies. Their commitment to children’s safety and well-being has resulted in financing for up to four students per year. For up to three years, recipients will receive roughly $4,000 per school year. For continuing consideration, students must reapply each year. The scholarship will be awarded based on available funds. Preference is given to students who live in Linn or Benton County and/or work in early childhood development. Education majors are not eligible for this prize.
Provided By: N/A
Amount: 1000 USD
Deadline: March 13th, June 9th, September 8, and December 19th
Education: High School Graduate
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5. Bright Futures Scholarship Program
Each year, the Bright Futures Scholarship Program distributes multiple awards varying in value from $250 to $1,000 to students who want to pursue an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or another early education field in order to become primary child caregivers. Candidates must be engaged full-time in an authorized degree program, have a minimum total GPA of 3.0, have earned at least 15 college credits, and have demonstrated success in field-based activities dealing closely with young children under the age of eight. Candidates must complete an online form and submit two recommendation letters as well as two essays.
Provided By: Bright Futures
Amount: Varies
Deadline: June 10th
Education: Undergraduate
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6. Maine Roads Scholarship Program
The Maine Roads Scholarship Program awards up to $3,500 to students seeking an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or child care management as a financial incentive to support people working in the child care industry. Candidates must be residents of Maine, attend an approved in-state university, work in a certified Maine child care center, have a total family income of less than $300,000, and be registered at least half-time. Proof of admission, proof of income, a fresh college transcript, and a goals statement are required for all applications.
Provided by: Maine Roads
Amount: 3500 USD
Deadline: Varies
Education: Undergraduate
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7. Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Graduate Scholarship
The Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Graduate Scholarship, sponsored by the American Psychological Foundation (APF), awards $25,000 each year to full-time university graduates pursuing a doctoral degree in child psychology, child development, pediatric psychology, or developmental psychology. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a recognized U.S. institution, have demonstrated research ability, be engaged in scholarly works relating to child growth, and have a strong academic record. A five-page proposed project, full budget plan, updated CV or résumé, copy of IRB approval, and two signed statements of recommendation are all required.
Provided By: American Psychological Foundation
Amount: 25,000 USD
Deadline: November 15th
Education: Undergraduate
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8. Lasting Legacy Scholarship
The Excellence in Early Childhood Scholarships, sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), provides $20,000 each semester to four prospective students enrolled in Walden University’s online childhood education academic programs. Students who are eligible must be pursuing a B.S. in Child Development, M.S. in Early Childhood Studies, Ed.S. in Early Childhood, Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education, or Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education. Applicants must complete one recommendation letter, a current CV, and a 1,000-word essay about their early childhood development activities in order to be considered.
Provided By: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Amount: 20,000 USD
Deadline: March 17th and July 15th
Education: High School Graduate
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9. Kimberly Perkins Scholarship
The Kimberly Perkins Scholarship Award is given annually by the Child and Adolescent Studies (CAS) Department at California State University Fullerton to full-time undergraduate students who are currently enrolled with a concentration in child and adolescent development or early childhood development. Candidates must have a distinguished educational record with an absolute minimum GPA of 3.5, be dedicated to career growth in difficult situations, and be recognized by teachers for their perseverance. Students may also choose to apply for the Robert B. McLaren Award for Moral Development in Children.
Provided By: College of Health and Human Development
Amount: 1500 USD
Deadline: March 1st
Education: High School Graduate
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10. IdahoSTARS Academic Degree Scholarships
The IdahoSTARS Academic Degree Scholarships, offered by the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (IAEYC), is intended to cover full university fees for students pursuing a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, technical diploma, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in early education. Applicants must work at an Idaho-licensed child care center for at least one year full-time, strive to progress at least 25 hours per week and submit one glowing recommendation from their child care manager. With academic counseling and up to 80 hours of compensated release time, recipients will receive 100% of their tuition costs.
Provided By: Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (IAEYC)
Amount: Varies
Deadline: N/A
Education: High School Graduate
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11. Jeanne Gilley Graduate Scholarship
The Louisiana Early Childhood Association (LAECA) has given the Jeanne Gilley Graduate Scholarship since 1994, awarding $600 yearly to full-time or part-time graduate students pursuing a degree in child development, early childhood teaching, or a strongly linked discipline. Students must have an absolute minimum GPA of 3.0, be a member of LAECA for at least six months, and present three letters of recommendation to be considered. Higher education, professionalism, communicative talents, awareness of contemporary child development difficulties, career aspirations, leadership potential, moral character, and overall philosophy will all be considered in the selection process.
Provided By: Louisiana Early Childhood Association
Amount: 600 USD
Deadline: November 15th
Education: High School Graduate
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12. PATCH Scholarship
The PATCH Early Childhood Development Scholarships, which are awarded for $750 in three annual cycles, are for Hawaii citizens who are enrolled in on-campus or online programs concentrating on early childhood education or child development. Candidates must enroll at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the University of Hawaii West Oahu, Kauai Community College, Maui Community College, Honolulu Community College, Hawaii Community College, Chaminade University, Hawaii Pacific University, or the University of Phoenix in order to be considered. Students enrolled in PACE classes or earning the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential will be given priority.
Provided By: PATCH
Amount: 750 USD
Deadline: Varies
Education: High School Graduate
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