Investing in early childhood professionals and their careers

The quality of New Mexico’s early childhood programs and statewide system depends upon the caring, knowledgeable people who work with children and families. The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), in partnership with CNM-Ingenuity, provides scholarship opportunities to make it possible for early childhood professionals to complete coursework leading to advanced credentials and degrees.

Benefits

• Scholarships are available to meet the needs of early childhood education
  and care professionals at all levels.
• Scholarship Coaches assist scholars along their career pathway.
• Scholars receive support to create a personalized professional development plan.
• Awards include one year of funding with possibility of renewal.

Eligibility

Scholarships are open to New Mexico 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

How to Apply

• Fill out the application form online at ececdscholarship.org (English and Spanish).
• Once scholarship is awarded, begin work with an assigned coach.
• Remain eligible by meeting the requirements for grades, credit hours, and continued employment with an eligible early childhood program.