To be eligible to apply for the QUALITYstarsNY Academic Scholarship, you must:

Eligibility as a Participant

  • Be working 20 or more hours per week in a participating QUALITYstarsNY program in a teaching or leadership role.
  • Have an active, current Aspire Registry ID number and profile.
  • Have been continuously employed for at least 12 months at a QUALITYstarsNY program.*

Eligibility as a Student

  • Be a full-time or part-time student taking coursework in early childhood education at a CUNY or SUNY college. Proof of admission or enrollment will be required for applicants.
  • If eligible for Educational Incentive Program (EIP) funding, the use of EIP funding is required during the calendar year.

Eligibility with the Career Development Center

  • Meet with a career advisor before the June 7 deadline if you are a new or returning applicant who has not met with one in the last six months
  • Be in good standing with the Career Center (i.e., if you are currently a Career Center client, be up to date with required meetings, grade submissions, etc.).
  • Be prepared to meet with a Career Center advisor three times per semester.
  • Report your grades to the Career Center.

*Multiple locations will count
*Applicable only to tuition scholarships