Professional Development Fund Scholarships
The Metropolitan Council on Early Learning (MCEL) knows that an important strategy to create effective and high-quality early care and education services is the professional development of the workforce. National research indicates that formal education for staff -- that is, college or university degrees -- is a significant indicator of high quality in programs. MCEL administers a number of scholarship funds for early learning professionals, including Fern Webster, the Local Investment Commission (LINC), and the George K. Baum Foundation.
These annual scholarships pay for tuition, fees and books for early learning professionals in metropolitan Kansas City who are seeking a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Associate Degree (AAS) in child development. For more information, including complete criteria for eligibility, see the Early Childhood Professional Development Scholarship Application. Applicants will also need to complete a Release of Information form and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The deadline to be approved for the spring 2008 semester is Wednesday, October 24.
- Download the application (pdf)
A limited number of scholarships for bachelor's degrees are available (for program directors or assistant directors only) on a case-by-case basis. Contact Susan Duffey at MCEL for instructions about applying for these scholarships.