Harry S Truman College, City Colleges of Chicago, National Louis University, Roosevelt University, and University of Illinois at Chicago to celebrate graduates and completers of Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship on August 14  

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

CHICAGO—(August 14, 2025) – Join Harry S Truman Chicago, City Colleges of Chicago, National Louis University,  Roosevelt University, and University of Illinois at Chicago in a celebration of our collective Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (CELWS) students who are graduating with a degree, certification, or licensure in early childhood learning.

In total, we are celebrating 159 students–62 are City Colleges of Chicago graduates and completers. Of those 62, 37 City Colleges students are transferring to a four-year institution to earn their bachelor’s degree in this field of study.

“The most critical stage for foundational learning is from birth to age five and that’s why City Colleges of Chicago is deeply committed to supporting the next generation of Early Childhood educators—because they play a vital role in shaping the foundation for a lifetime of learning,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago.

The celebration for the CELWS 2024-2025 graduates and completers will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, in the O’Rourke Theatre in Harry S Truman College’s Technical Building, 1145 W. Wilson Avenue in Chicago.

The Workforce Scholarship 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 scholarship 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.

“CELWS is a critical investment. When we invest in our educators, especially in those shaping the earliest stages of learning, we invest in a brighter future for all Chicago,” said Executive Director of the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship Sandy DeLeon, Harry S Truman College. “By empowering Early Childhood professionals, we ensure that every child—regardless of zip code—has access to a quality education and the lifelong opportunities it brings.”

The CELWS Scholarship 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” scholarship, 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
• Associates 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 degree
• Coursework to earn:
• Endorsement
• Gateways Credentials

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

City Colleges of Chicago registration deadlines are quickly approaching and to apply you must register by Wednesday, August 20 at 11:59 p.m. Classes start on Thursday, August 21. Visit www.ccc.edu/apply or call 773-COLLEGE.

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