Associate Degree or CDA Training Scholarship
An associate degree ranges from 60 credit hours to 72 credit hours depending upon the program designed by the particular college or university. Most community colleges or universities offer CDA training classes that meet the requirements of the Council for Professional Recognition as well as the associate degree. Therefore, CDA training hours being taken at a participating community college or university would meet the criteria for this scholarship. The Associate Degree Scholarship / CDA Training scholarship pays for the majority of the cost towards an associate degree in Early Childhood Education / Child Development, or the coursework required to fulfill the CDA training requirements. A travel stipend, release time, and bonus are awarded based on eligibility. Scholarship recipients must commit to remain in their sponsoring program or the field of early childhood education for one year following the completion of their contract. You may be eligible for the Associate Degree / CDA Training Scholarship if you:
- Work a minimum of 20 hours per week in a licensed center-based, family, or group home setting
- Earn $29.90 or less per hour
- Are eligible to receive Michigan in-state student tuition rate
Associate Degree Scholarship Award Beginning January 2025
- $285 per credit hour up to 6 credits per semester paid to participating college
- $150 book stipend paid to participating college
- $100 Student Access Stipend per semester to recipient
- $150 Quality Improvement Stipend per semester to recipient and employer for those working in a licensed child care program that has moved beyond Maintaining Health and Safety in Great Start to Quality.
- $300 bonus from TEACH for completing at least 9 credit hours over 3 semesters
- 2% raise or $375 bonus from employer for completing at least 9 credits over 3 semesters
- Commitment to remain with employing program for 1 year after completion of contract
Applicants working in programs unable to complete the employer requirements of the scholarship may inquire about a stipend-based scholarship without additional support components. Verification will be required from employer.
A TEACH Scholarship for CDA training or an associate degree in early childhood education or child development can be stacked with other sources of scholarship or financial aid to maximize scholarship dollars available to you. Several additional sources of aid are listed below. Contact TEACH for more information or assistance on utilizing more than one source of scholarship or aid.
