Chicago Offers 100% Tuition Scholarship for Early Childhood Education Professionals

The Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship aims to expand access to early learning programs by supporting career development for current and aspiring ECE workers.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (CELWS) is now open for applications, offering 100% tuition coverage for Chicagoans looking to advance or start careers in early childhood education. The scholarship provides funding for a range of degree and credential programs, including certificates, associate's, bachelor's, and alternative licensure options, in partnership with local universities. The goal is to build a robust early learning workforce to support the city's efforts to expand high-quality programs.

Why it matters

Access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education is a critical need in many communities, and having a well-trained, supported workforce is key to meeting that need. This scholarship aims to remove financial barriers and provide clear career pathways for current and aspiring early childhood educators in Chicago, helping to strengthen the local early learning system.

The details

The CELWS scholarship will cover 100% of tuition costs that federal grants and other scholarships don't cover, as well as up to $250 per course for books. Recipients must commit to working in a Chicago early learning program for at least 3 years after completing their program. The scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis across various degree and credential options, including certificates, associate's, bachelor's, and alternative licensure pathways, in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago, National Louis University, and Roosevelt University.

  • The CELWS scholarship application period is open now and will close on February 18, 2026.

The players

Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (CELWS)

A scholarship program launched through a collaboration between the Mayor's Office, City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, and the Department of Family & Support Services, aimed at supporting Chicagoans in pursuing early childhood education credentials and degrees.

Sandy De León

The Executive Director of the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship.

Latrice Reddick

An early childhood educator at Truman College's Child Development Lab School and a recipient of the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship.

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What they’re saying

“Chicago's early education system depends on the people who show up every day for children and families. This scholarship exists to make sure those professionals have access to education, guidance, and long-term career pathways. Even beyond financial support, we're here to provide a real investment in their futures.”

— Sandy De León, Executive Director, Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (EINPresswire.com)

“The Workforce Scholarship helped me move forward in my education while continuing to work in the classroom. I was able to complete coursework to complete my Bachelor's and take meaningful steps toward advancing my career in early childhood education.”

— Latrice Reddick, Early Childhood Educator, Truman College's Child Development Lab School (EINPresswire.com)

What’s next

The scholarship application period will close on February 18, 2026, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

The takeaway

This scholarship program represents a significant investment in building a strong, well-trained early childhood education workforce in Chicago, which is crucial for expanding access to high-quality early learning opportunities for children and families across the city.