CELWS ’26-’27

Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship 26-27

The Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship aims to support Chicagoans and the current Chicago Early Learning workforce as they pursue coursework to earn a credential, degree, endorsement, or licensure to work with young children (birth through Pre-K) and families in Chicago Early Learning programs. Programs for which you may be able to use a scholarship include early childhood, child development, infant/toddler studies, human development and family studies, and early childhood program administration.

Please note that this application is the first step in the intake process and does not guarantee an award. The Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship team will use the information provided to determine your eligibility for a Scholarship during the 2026-2027 academic year for a Fall (approximately August/September) term start and match you with an appropriate Institution of Higher Education. Once your information is submitted, please expect follow-up communication from a Scholarship Specialist.

If you have any questions or need additional support, please contact us at scholarships@chilearn.org.

Are you currently a recipient of the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship?(Required)

Yes

Current recipients of a Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship are not eligible to apply. Please contact us at scholarships@chilearn.org if you would like more information.

PLEASE NOTE: You must live in Chicago or work in a Chicago Early Learning Program to be eligible for the scholarship.

Do you live in Chicago?(Required)

Yes

What is your ZIP code in Chicago?(Required)

What is your community area in Chicago?(Required)

Do you work in a Chicago Early Learning (birth through Pre-k) program?(Required)

Yes

What is your current title/position?(Required)

What type of site?(Required)

Select the site or school where you work.(Required)

You must live in Chicago or work in a Chicago Early Learning Program to be eligible for the scholarship. Please contact us at scholarships@chilearn.org if you would like more information.

Have you previously been awarded the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship?(Required)

Yes

First Name(Required)

Last Name(Required)

Date of Birth(Required)

Note: Please use your personal email address (NOT your work or school email) for the application, as it will be used for important follow-up communication and processing.

Email Address(Required)

Phone Number(Required)

Please provide in the following format: (###)-###-####.

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Are you currently enrolled in or admitted to a college or university?(Required)

Yes

Please list the name of the college or university and the degree program in which you are enrolled or admitted(Required)

Do you work in a Chicago Public Schools (NOT Pre-K) classroom?(Required)

Yes

A Gateways to Opportunity Registry Number is strongly encouraged for the CELW scholarship. If you do not have a number, you can register for free at https://registry.ilgateways.com.

Gateways to Opportunity Registry Number (e.g., N######)

Please upload your Professional Development Record (PDR), preferably as a PDF

Max. file size: 1 MB.

Will you be graduating or did you graduate from a Chicago Public Schools high school in the last 4 years?(Required)

Yes

What year?(Required)

What is the HIGHEST degree or licensure that you have completed?(Required)

Is your degree in an early childhood-related field?(Required)

Yes

Please indicate the type of program or degree you are seeking(Required)

Note: Professional Educator’s License ONLY applicants must already have a Bachelor’s degree (previously known as a Type 04). The Professional Educator’s License ONLY program is only offered at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).

What type of Associate's Degree program?(Required)

What type of Bachelor's Degree program?(Required)

What type of Endorsement program?(Required)

What type of Credential program?(Required)

Which Credential level are you seeking?(Required)

If awarded, the scholarship will begin Fall 2026.(Required)

Have you ever served on active duty in the US Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard?

Yes

How do you currently describe your gender identity?(Required)

Which of the following best describes your race/ethnicity?(Required)

Are you the first person in your immediate family to attend college? (i.e. neither of your parents have a college degree)(Required)

Yes

Do you have children?(Required)

Yes

Do you have a child 0-5 who attends a Chicago Early Learning Program (preschool, child care center, or school)?(Required)

Yes

What center or school does your child attend?(Required)

Is English the primary language you use at home?(Required)

Yes

If "No", which language do you use?(Required)

What are your career goals within the field of Early Childhood?(Required)

Required Agreements

I understand that I must live in Chicago or work in a Chicago Early Learning Program to be eligible for the scholarship. I further understand that I must be eligible to work in a Chicago Early Learning Program upon completion of my degree (you cannot have any felonies and must be able to pass an FBI, State of Illinois, and sex offender background check).

I understand that I must be admitted to a college or university before a scholarship is awarded. I further understand that I must complete the federal financial aid process or certify I am ineligible for federal financial aid to be eligible for a scholarship.

I understand that I have a 6 month grace period after graduation/completion to find employment in a Chicago Early Learning program. I further understand that I must commit to working in a Chicago Early Learning Program for three years AFTER completing all degrees or academic programs under CELWS in order to receive the scholarship.

As part of determining my eligibility for the CELW Scholarship, I understand that certain personal information from the application will be collected and disclosed to and between City of Chicago, City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), Chicago Public Schools, Department of Family & Support Services, Education Workforce Center (EWC), my employer, institutions of higher education, and other support entities such as INCCRRA/Gateways to Opportunity and Chicago Commons (for employment verification, Gateways Credentials, and scholarship eligibility). This personal information will include my name, address, courses completed, and college credit hours earned during my previous tenure at educational institutions and throughout the term of the scholarship. I further understand that my personal information may also be used to match me with programs that provide academic and other supports. The City of Chicago does not disclose personal information to unaffiliated third parties or mass marketers, except as the law would require.