Financial Assistance

Financial Aid, Scholarships, Grants, and more!

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE: This page is designed to help CCNY CWE Early Childhood Education students access financial support. Other CCNY CWE students can find assistance at https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/cwe/financial-assistance, while main campus program students should visit https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/admissions/scholarships-awards.

There are many ways to pay for undergraduate education. Below you’ll find resources that focus on scholarships, which tend to be “free” with no payback or strings attached. Grants range from federal Pell Grants, which are also free, to other types of grants such as the “TEACH Grant,” requiring a “repayment” in the form of years of service upon graduation. Financial Aid covers everything, including some student loans, which you must pay back, with interest, starting six months after you graduate. For a quick breakdown of the difference between grants, scholarships, and loans, visit https://bit.ly/FinAidQuestions.  

For most of the scholarships and grants listed below, you will need to be a citizen and you will be required to complete the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) after you or your parents file taxes each year. Scholarships for those who don’t meet these requirements are also available. Some of these scholarships are listed below under the heading “Undocumented/TPS/DACA Scholarships.” Whatever your situation, please take advantage of all the free resources and support available from The City College Office of Financial Aid. Mr. Warren Orange is the CWE Financial Aid Coordinator; he does not process financial aid applications or package financial aid awards, but functions as a liaison between CWE students and the uptown Financial Aid Office.

Educator-Specific Scholarships

School of Education (SOE) Scholarships: Each year, the School of Education has an open scholarship application period from late March to late April (dates vary based on the timing of spring break). Visit the School of Education's Scholarships & Awards page for up-to-date information about teaching-specific scholarships available to City College students.

Federal TEACH Grant: As mentioned in the introduction, the U.S. federal TEACH grant is free of cost but requires you to fulfill a teaching service obligation. For detailed information, please visit the FAFSA's TEACH Grants official page.

The New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute (PDI): Founded by CUNY, PDI is a valuable resource for early childhood educators across New York City. In addition to providing career development counseling and support, they have up-to-date information about scholarships for early childhood educators. Visit PDI's Scholarships & Financial Aid page for more details. 

Other Scholarships

While it is impossible to provide a complete list of scholarships you might be eligible to apply for, here is a short list of general scholarships you might consider as you pursue your degree in early childhood education.

Division of Interdisciplinary Studies at the Center for Worker Education Scholarships.

Undocumented/TPS/DACA Scholarships:

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund (February)
• TheDream.US National Scholarship (February)
• Golden Door Scholars (October)

The New York League of Puerto Rican Woman (NYLPRW) Scholarship.