To be eligible to receive a Gateways Scholarship, you must: 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; be 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); work an average of 15 hours per week; meet wage requirements; be a US citizen, "legal alien" or Illinois resident; and commit to future work in early care and education or school-age care, which begins at the completion of the scholarship contract. Dollar amounts will vary, depending on numerous factors.
This scholarship can be used for pursuing degrees up to the Master's level. 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: still meet all eligibility requirements; be a member of the Gateways Registry (free of charge); submit grade reports from the last term; and gather and mail your required documents using the checklist provided in the application. The Gateways Scholarship Program accepts applications year round.