ECE Higher Education

To address demographic changes in our early childhood population and the need for leaders who reflect our families and children, and the early childhood workforce, First 5 is working with Cal State East Bay, Mills College and University of California Berkeley to increase higher education opportunities.

Cal State East Bay (CSU East Bay)
First 5 Alameda County Every Child Counts provides Early Care and Education (ECE) scholarships for students who are currently working in Early Childhood programs and are enrolled in the Human Development Major with option in ECD and ECE Minor in Teacher Education.

As part of this scholarship program, students will be in a cohort of other professionals with academic advising and support as they complete their education at CSU East Bay. For further information, contact Edna Rodriggs, ECE Professional Development Coordinator edna.rodriggs@csueastbay.edu; 510.885.7293.

Mills College
With funding from First 5, Mills College has piloted a BA for Working Adults in Early Childhood. First 5 also supports Mills College in piloting two Leadership Programs in Early Childhood (LPEC): a MA and an EdD designed to accommodate working professionals. Contact Lea Austin, Program Coordinator; 510.430.2116
laustin@mills.edu

Scholarship Opportunities
The Early Care Education Scholarship Fund was established to:

• Generate funding to support students pursuing higher education with the professional goal of working with children birth to five in early care and education programs in Alameda County
• Award funding to students who meet specific selection criteria and need as determined by the First 5 Fund donors and administrators