City Colleges of Chicago, National Louis University, Roosevelt University, and University of Illinois Chicago Celebrate Graduates and Completers of Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship on August 15

The early childhood education sector is experiencing a nationwide workforce shortage. Through this scholarship offering, City Colleges of Chicago is working to fill this crucial need by supporting a diverse and qualified early childhood workforce for Chicago.

CHICAGO – On August 15, 2024, City Colleges of Chicago, National Louis University, Roosevelt University, and University of Illinois Chicago celebrated our collective Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (CELWS) students who have graduated with a degree, certification, or licensure in early childhood learning. In total, we celebrated 140 students, of which 60 are City Colleges of Chicago graduates and completers.

“We know that early childhood has the ability to set the foundation of a child’s educational journey. Early childhood educators and care workers serve the working families of Chicago by providing world-class education to our early learners while parents are at work,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We want to thank City Colleges of Chicago and all of our partners for continuing to support this scholarship and these critical workers.”

“The most important period of life for foundational learning is from birth to the age of five years old and that’s why  City Colleges of Chicago is passionate about supporting our next generation of early childhood educators. They play a crucial part in laying the foundation for all learning,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago. “

The celebration for the CELWS 2023-2024 graduates and completers was held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15 in the O’Rourke Theatre of  Harry S Truman College’s Technical Building.

The following special guests spoke at the event:

• Commissioner of DFSS Brandie Knazze
• Deputy Commissioner of DFSS Cerathel Burgess-Burnett
• Chief Officer of CPS Early Childhood Education Leslie McKinily
• City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado
• Harry S Truman College President Shawn L. Jackson, Ph.D.

The CELWS is available to all Chicago residents aspiring to join the early childhood workforce. It is also open to early education professionals engaged in roles beyond the classroom setting. The CELWS is offered through Harry S Truman College and supports students pursuing a credential, degree, endorsement, or licensure to work with young children, birth through pre-K, in Chicago-area early learning programs.

The CELWS covers 100 percent of tuition and eligible fees, plus up to $250 in books per course. It also requires a three-year commitment to the profession post studies. The scholarship serves as a “last-dollar” award, covering everything that students’ federal grants and other scholarships do not cover. The scholarship matches recipients with the right higher education program to go toward one of the following academic/degree pathways:

• Basic and advanced certificates
• Associate degree
• Bachelor’s degree – Licensure or non-licensure track (associate to bachelor pathway)
• Alternative licensure program – Licensure for current ECE professionals with earned bachelor’s eegree
• Coursework to earn:
  • Endorsement
  • Gateways credentials

For more information and questions, please contact scholarships@chilearn.org.

###