Who is eligible?

To be eligible to receive a Gateways Scholarship, you must:

1. Care for children in an Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) licensed program or Illinois State Board of Education funded Preschool for All program.  
2. Employed by your current program for at least a one year. (90 days if employed at an ExceleRate Bronze, Silver or Gold Circle of Quality program.)
3. Work an average of 15 hours per week.
4. Meet wage requirements.
5. Be a citizen of the United States, be a lawful permanent resident, or reside in the State of Illinois.
6. Commit to future work in early care and education or school-age care, which begins at the completion of the scholarship contract.

What can I use the Gateways Scholarship for?

• An Associate degree in ECE/CD.
• A Bachelor's degree in ECE/CD.
• A Master's degree in ECE/CD.
• Coursework to advance on the Great START Wage Supplement Scale.
• Coursework toward a Gateways ECE Credential, Infant Toddler Credential, or Illinois Director Credential.
• A bachelor's or master's degree related to program administration for ECE/CD.
• Coursework for Illinois Professional Educator Licensure in Early Childhood.

What are my responsibilities?

1. Read the Gateways Scholarship FAQ.
2. Enroll in courses.
3. Submit a Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program  pdf Participant Class Schedule Form (495 KB) to the Gateways Scholarship Program each term, listing the courses for that term.
4. Go to class and do well. The Gateways Scholarship Program will pay for a class only once!
5. Continue to work in eligible program and role and work 15 hours per week.
6. Send in your grade reports at the end of each term.
7. Pay the remaining portion of tuition and fees to the college or university.
8. Continue to work in an eligible early care and education or school-age care program upon the completion of the scholarship contract, to meet the work commitment requirement.

How do I apply?

To apply for the Gateways Scholarship Program, you can apply online via your Registry Portal or with a paper application. To apply with a paper application, you need to:

1. Be a member of the Gateways Registry.
2. Download and complete the Gateways Scholarship Supplement Application.
3. Gather and mail your required documents using the checklist provided in the application.
4. Mail to:

INCCRRA/Applications
1226 Towanda Plaza
Bloomington IL, 61701

How do I renew?

To renew your Gateways Scholarship Program, you can renew online via your Registry Portal or with a paper application. To apply with a paper application, you need to:

1. Still meet all eligibility requirements.
2. Be a member of the Gateways Registry.
3. Submit grade reports from last term.
4. Gather and mail your required documents using the checklist provided in the application.
5. Mail to:

INCCRRA/Applications
1226 Towanda Plaza
Bloomington IL, 61701