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Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Program

The Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) is a statewide initiative with the goal to upskill the early childhood workforce through scholarships and other supports.

Funding is provided through either the ECACE scholarship or an MCC grant, depending on the circumstances.

For those currently working in the early childhood field

This scholarship covers the full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books and supplies, transportation, childcare, and other living expenses) for qualified students

ECACE Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

  • Currently working in the early childhood field in a licensed facility or license-exempt facility
  • Enrolled at least part-time at an ECACE member institution (such as MCC) and pursuing a certificate or degree in Early Childhood Education
  • Have a Gateways to Opportunity registry account membership
  • US citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Must not be in default on any federal student loans
  • Satisfactory academic progress
  • See full ECACE scholarship eligibility requirements

To apply for this scholarship, complete the FAFSA and apply through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).

For those enrolled at least part-time at MCC, currently taking an Early Childhood Education class, and pursuing a certificate or degree in ECE

MCC ECACE Grant Details

  • May cover tuition, ECE textbooks, and a laptop
  • You don't need to currently be working in the ECE field
  • You are responsible for paying fees and paying for non-ECE textbooks
  • No FAFSA required

Students who have declared that they are working toward an Early Childhood Education program at MCC (ECE Level II Certificate, ECE Level III Certificate, or ECE Associate in Applied Science) and are currently taking an Early Childhood Education course automatically qualify for the MCC ECACE Grant. No separate application is required.

After completing an AAS degree at MCC, students may transfer to a four-year ECACE member institution to complete a bachelor's degree. For a list of participating schools, visit www.ecace.org

For more information about ECACE, visit www.ecace.org and www.isac.org/ECACEscholarship

For more information about MCC's ECACE program, see Frequently Asked Questions about ECACE