Scholarship Opportunities
for Maine Students
The following programs offer scholarship programs for Maine students pursuing coursework or degrees in Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Special Education. Funding is also available for students pursuing teacher certifications for the 081 and 282 endorsements or for practitioners working toward the following credentials: an initial Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, and the Maine Infant Toddler Credentials 1 and 2.
Not all students will qualify for these scholarships. Please read the descriptions carefully and contact the sponsoring program with any questions.
Maine Roads to Quality Scholarship Program
What is the Maine Roads Scholarship Program?
The Maine Roads Scholarship Program awards funds to help pay the costs of earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, the Maine Infant Toddler Credentials 1 and 2, a college degree at any level from Associate to Doctorate, or for courses taken in pursuit of a Maine Department of Education 081 or 282 endorsements.
2012-2013 Applications:
Eligibility to Apply:
- Any Maine resident who is employed in a licensed center-based, home-based, or school-age program in the state is eligible to apply to the Scholarship Program. Maine residents who volunteer at least twelve hours per month in a licensed program are also eligible to apply (proof of volunteer commitment is required). Your current worksite or volunteer placement must be enrolled with Quality for ME.
- Applicants attending a college or university must be matriculated into a degree program. Students who are not currently matriculated, but have a Bachelor's degree and are pursuing coursework to receive a Maine DOE 081 or 282 endorsement, are also eligible.
- Applicants for the CDA Scholarship must be enrolled in a training program or coursework that can be articulated into college credit. Scholarships are not available for CDA renewal.
- The total family income must not exceede 300% of poverty level as defined by the Federal Income Guidelines.
Covered Costs:
- CDA coursework through an agency or college – Maine Roads supports enrollment in CDA programs sponsored by Maine agencies or institutions offering credit-bearing (or potentially credit-bearing) coursework leading to a CDA. Maine Roads does not support the cost of non-credit or out-of-state programs.
- CDA Assessment Fee – Eligible applicants can receive an award for the $325 Assessment Fee once they have met all of the CDA requirements and are ready to apply to the Council of Professional Recognition for their Verification visit. Maine Roads does not cover the cost of the CDA Direct Assessment application packet. Click here for more information on the Child Development Associate (CDA).
- College coursework as part of a degree program – Students must be formally accepted into a credit bearing early childhood education program. Eligible courses of study are available at many Maine colleges and universities. Examples of eligible degree programs include: Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Child Development, Recreation and Leisure Services with a Special Needs Focus, Social Work with an emphasis on Early Childhood and Child Care Leadership and Administration. Students who have already earned a Bachelor's degree may receive scholarship funds for courses taken toward the Maine DOE 081 Early Childhood Teacher Certificaiton or 282 Teacher of Children with Disabilities Certification. Maine Roads to Quality Scholarship Program funds can be used to help pay the cost of tuition, books, and fees. The total cost of attending the program may not be fully covered by Maine Roads funds. Students should contact the school/program in which they want to enroll to discuss the costs of attending and the types of financial assistance or payment plans available. Please see the application cover sheet for detailed information about award amounts.
Application and Award Information:
- Scholarship funding is limited, so applicants should mail completed applications and required documentation to Maine Roads as soon as possible.
- Application deadlines are July 1st for the upcoming fall, and then November 1st for mid year enrollment.
- Selection and level of financial awards are determined by completeness of the application, income eligibility, work experience in the field, goal statements, course enrollment and any special circumstances regarding an applicant’s need for financial assistance.
- The money awarded is the total award for the academic year.
- Applicants are notified by mail of their scholarship status, and an eligibility letter is sent to their work site/agency and/or college. Payment of scholarship funds will be arranged with the agency or college business office. Maine Roads does not reimburse recipients directly.
For More Information:
Administrative Assistant: Jennifer Camire
jcamire@usm.maine.edu
(207) 228-8517 or 1-888-900-0055
TTY: (207) 780-5646
Maine’s Apprenticeship Program
What Is the Maine Apprenticeship Program?
Registered Apprenticeship is a partnership between an employer, the employee/apprentice, and the Maine Apprenticeship Program. Apprenticeship consists of structured, on-the-job learning, related technical instruction (your classes), and a schedule of wages recognizing your increased skills and knowledge. Programs are at least one year in duration and successful completers are issued a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship recognized in all 50 states.
MAP may reimburse up to 50% of an Apprentice's tuition for college credit courses. In addition, the apprentice works full-time for their sponsor (employer), applying related coursework and newly acquired skills to accomplish occupational tasks in a hands-on environment.
For More Information:
Maine Apprenticeship Program
ginny.carroll@maine.gov
(207) 623-7981
TTY: 1-800-794-1110