City Colleges of Chicago, National Louis University, Roosevelt University, and University of Illinois at Chicago celebrates graduates and completers of Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship

City Colleges of Chicago, National Louis University, Roosevelt University, and University of Illinois at Chicago celebrates graduates and completers of Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship

The early childhood education sector is experiencing a nationwide workforce shortage. City Colleges of Chicago, through this scholarship offering, is working to fill this crucial need by supporting a diverse and qualified early childhood workforce for Chicago

CHICAGO — City Colleges of Chicago, National Louis University, Roosevelt University and University of Illinois at Chicago recently celebrated its collective Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (CELWS) students who graduated with a degree, certification or licensure in early childhood learning. In total, 140 students including City Colleges of Chicago graduates and completers were celebrated.

“We know that early childhood has the ability to set the foundation of a child's educational journey. Early childhood educators and care workers serve the working families of Chicago by providing world-class education to our early learners while parents are at work," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "We want to thank City Colleges of Chicago and all of our partners for continuing to support this scholarship and these critical workers."

“The most important period of life for foundational learning is from birth to the age of five years old and that’s why City Colleges of Chicago is passionate about supporting our next generation of Early Childhood educators. They play a crucial part in laying the foundation for all learning,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago. “

The Workforce Scholarship is available to all Chicago residents aspiring to join the early childhood workforce. It is also open to early education professionals engaged in roles beyond the classroom setting. The CELWS scholarship is offered through Harry S Truman College and supports students pursuing a credential, degree, endorsement or licensure to work with young children, birth through Pre-K, in Chicago-area Early Learning programs.

The CELWS Scholarship covers 100 percent of tuition and eligible fees, plus up to $250 in books per course. It also requires a three-year commitment to the profession post studies. The scholarship serves as a “last dollar” scholarship, covering everything that students’ federal grants and other scholarships do not cover. The scholarship matches recipients with the right higher education program to go toward one of the following academic/degree pathways:

· Basic and Advanced Certificates

· Associates Degree

· Bachelor’s Degree - Licensure or Non-Licensure track (Associate to Bachelor pathway)

· Alternative Licensure Program - Licensure for current ECE professionals with earned Bachelor’s degree

· Coursework to earn:

Endorsement

Gateways Credentials

For more information and questions, please contact scholarships@chilearn.org.


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