An Associate’s degree ranges from 60 credit hours to 72 credit hours depending upon the program designed by the particular college or university. Most community colleges or universities offer CDA training classes that meet the requirements of the Council for Professional Recognition as well as the Associate Degree. Therefore, CDA training hours being taken at a participating community college or university would meet the criteria for this scholarship. The Associates Degree Scholarship / CDA Training scholarship pays for the majority of the cost towards an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education / Child Development, or the coursework required to fulfill the CDA training requirements. A travel stipend, release time, and bonus are awarded based on eligibility. Scholarship recipients must commit to remain in their sponsoring program or the field of early childhood education for one year following the completion of their contract. You may be eligible for the Associates Degree / CDA Training Scholarship if you:

• Work a minimum of 20 hours per week in a licensed center-based, family, or group home setting
• Earn $19.60 or less per hour
• Are eligible to receive Michigan in-state student tuition rate
• Provide evidence that you have applied for financial aid (does not apply to CDA Training)

Michigan Reconnect is a scholarship program that pays for you to attend your in-district community college, and offers a large tuition discount if you attend an out-of-district community college.

You can use the scholarship to complete an associate degree or a skill certificate program. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Chidlhood® Michigan Scholarship Program works in conjunction with the Michigan Reconnect Scholarship to provide additional scholarship supports outside of the tuition covered by MiReconnect including out-of-district tuition fees, course and college fees, a student access stipend, Star Rating stipends, book reimbursements, and bonuses for contract completion. T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship applicants are encouraged to apply for MiReconnect in addition to T.E.A.C.H. to maximize their financial support.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 25 years old when you apply
• Have lived in Michigan for a year or more
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Have not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor’s)