Grants and Scholarships

Red Rocks Community College Financial Aid

ECE Educator Stipends/Scholarships/Loan Forgiveness

Beginning in 2022, in partnership with the Department of Early Childhood within the Colorado Department of Human Services, the Colorado Department of Higher Education began a collaboration with the Colorado Community College System and public institutions of higher education to provide funding opportunities to aspiring and in-service Early Childhood Educators. To learn more about these funds, visit https://cdhe.colorado.gov/programs-and-services/programs/k-12-educator-stipends-resources/ece-educator-stipends/scholarships

These funds are not needs based, but do require the submission of some student information with the RRCC Financial Aid department. Stipend and scholarship funding covers all tuition and textbook related costs. Students are still responsible for the College Opportunity Fund and registration fees.

Contact RRCC Financial Aid or the ECE Program Chair for more information and to access the stipend/scholarship awards form for the current academic semester.

Colorado Career and Technical Education Tuition Assistance Program (CTE Grant)

Students may be eligible for funding to help them earn their Early Childhood Entry or Early Childhood Preschool Teacher I certificates.
Students should contact the Financial Aid Office at RRCC to see if they might qualify.

Student CTE Grant Eligibility Criteria:

  • Colorado resident
  • Enrolled in a short-term (less than 16 credits) certificate program at RRCC
  • Demonstrated financial need by providing documentation that the student is eligible for at least one of the following:
    • A Pell-eligible Expected Family Contribution as demonstrated by the FAFSA
    • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Benefits
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
    • Section 8 Housing Vouchers
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Disability Benefits
    • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Benefits
    • An income that is eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch Benefits
    • An income that is too low to require a Federal Income Tax Filing
  • OK to have a Bachelor Degree
  • Be in good standing of the financial aid satisfactory academic progress policy (not have been suspended previously or have successfully appealed their suspension)
  • Must register for Selective Service, if required
  • Should apply for College Opportunity Fund (COF)
  • HS Diploma or GED no longer required!

The CTE Grant may cover tuition (online or on campus), fees, and course materials.

FAFSA-based grants, scholarships, and/or Work-Study Options

Refer to information at this website to determine your eligibility and find other sources of money for college education.
www.rrcc.edu/financial-aid/scholarships

Red Rocks Community College Foundation Scholarship Program

The Red Rocks Community College Foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships based on both need and merit. By filling out the Red Rocks Community College Foundation Scholarship Application, applicants apply for consideration for all of the Foundation's scholarship awards. Additionally, there are three foundation grants specifically for Early Childhood Education students.
More information: www.rrcc.edu/foundation/scholarship-programs
303.914.6308

T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship

This scholarship covers up to 80% of tuition; you receive a book and supplies allowance and a bonus for successful completion of your classes. It can be used for group leader, director qualifications and your associate degree in Early Childhood. Applicants must be working full-time in a licensed child care facility. 
T.E.A.C.H. Coordinator 303.339.6807
ecclacolorado.org/teachscholarship/

Special Grants and Scholarships -  Child Care Innovations

CCI will occasionally have outside funding for ECE students working to complete requirements for licensing. Please contact Kris for more information.
Child Care Innovations
Julia Brink
julia.brink@rrcc.edu

Colorado Shines PDIS Scholarships information

This website lists several resources for scholarships

http://ecpd.costartstrong.org/ets/pages/?p=scholarships

Tri-County Workforce Center

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) may be able to help you if the following is true:

  • You have a driver's license or state ID card
  • You have a signed social security card
  • You are 18+ years old
  • Your training program will be completed in the next 18 months
  • Your training program is preparing you for a job in a demand occupation
  • You do plan to get a job after your training is completed
  • You have already applied for financial aid with RRCC

Contact a counselor at:

Tri-County Workforce Center
730 Sims St. Suite 300
Lakewood, CO 80402
303.271.4700 ext. 4