Scholarships

Professional development training class.

IdahoSTARS works to increase the qualifications of Idaho’s early care and education professionals. We offer scholarships for professionals who want to earn credentials, credits or degrees in Early Childhood.

Professional development is an investment in yourself and in Idaho’s children. IdahoSTARS scholarships can help you meet your professional goals.

To apply for scholarships, first log into your RISE account and join PDS. You are eligible for most scholarships if you work 15 or more hours per week directly with parents, children and staff in a childcare program that operates year around.

Training Scholarships

Cover sheet of IdahoSTARS Training Scholarship Application Form.

Training Scholarships cover the cost of IdahoSTARS-approved trainings, workshops or conferences through distance learning or in person. A scholarship may pay costs in advance or professionals may pay costs up front and apply for a reimbursement scholarship.

How to Apply for a Training Scholarship

CDA Assessment/Renewal Scholarship

Which CDA program is right for you?

CDA Scholarships cover the costs of CDA assessment or renewal. Request a scholarship for fees to be paid directly to the Council for Professional Recognition or pay up front and apply for a reimbursement scholarship.

The Council for Professional Recognition (CDA Council) has changed the process for payment of CDA assessment and renewal fees. Please contact you regional Child Care Resource Center or academicscholarships@idahoaeyc.org for support.

Log into RISE to apply

Single Course Scholarship

Cover sheet of IdahoSTARS College Coursework Scholarship Application Form.

Single Course Scholarships cover tuition for a single course offered through an Idaho state college or university. The course must be focused on early childhood education or a related field or used to increase quality practices in an early childhood program.

Log into RISE to apply Check Eligibility

Academic Degree Scholarship

Cover sheet of IdahoSTARS Academic Scholarship Application Form.

Academic degree scholarships are designed to increase your level of education, reduce turnover and increase wages for the early childhood workforce.

The scholarship covers tuition for early care and education staff seeking an early childhood degree at an Idaho college or university. The scholarship covers 9-18 credits each academic year toward a degree in early childhood education.

Log into RISE to apply Check Eligibility

Emerging Leaders Master’s Degree Scholarship

Exciting Graduate Degree Scholarship Opportunity Available Beginning 2021-2022: IdahoSTARS is partnering with Boise State University to support a small number of Emerging Leaders in Early Childhood Education to complete a Master of Education degree with full tuition support over a three-year period. This unique pathway through Boise State's MEd program in Early and Special Education will bring participants together in group seminars focused on early childhood leadership and pair them one-on-one with a faculty member to engage in applied action research and mentoring. Interested individuals must submit applications to both Boise State University and to IdahoSTARS. Visit the Boise State Emerging Leaders webpage to learn more and access the Boise State application process. Contact Erin McCandless at academicscholarships@idahoaeyc.org for more information and application instructions for the IdahoSTARS scholarship.

GED Testing Reimbursement Scholarship

GED Testing Reimbursement Scholarships reimburse the testing fees of any GED Subject Test offered at an official GED Testing site.