Child Care Higher Education Scholarship Project

Tickets are $25.00 per person and can be purchased by calling 202-962-3246 or online by clicking here to take you to the online registration form.

Reception is at 6:30 PM. Dinner and Program: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

If you cannot attend but would still like to make a donation, please call 202-962-3246 for details.

HESP Background

The Higher Education Scholarship Project (HESP), founded in 1995, provides opportunities for tuition-free college-level education and training for child care providers who wish to obtain an advanced degree in early childhood education. HESP was developed by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) to improve the quality of child care in the Washington , DC metropolitan region. In order to enhance the quality of child care, providers of child care services need adequate training and education. They need competencies in early childhood development; planning curriculum and activities for children; small business management, administration and budgeting; and supervision of employees. HESP enables child care providers, who have historically low incomes, to overcome a major barrier in pursuing higher education.

How HESP Works

HESP grants scholarships to family child care providers and center-based child care staff. The scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis and used at area colleges and universities who have partnered with HESP. Applications are reviewed by the HESP Advisory Committee and scholarships are awarded based on a number of criteria. Recipients may already be enrolled in a college degree program or may be attending college for the first time. Each recipient may apply for consecutive scholarships provided satisfactory grade levels are maintained and COG scholarship funds are available.

The total amount of the scholarship may vary depending on the college or university the student attends. On average, scholarships cover between three and 12 credits per academic year depending on the goals and capabilities of the applicants. COG funds 50% of the total scholarship tuition costs. HESP partnership colleges and universities waive the remaining 50% of the scholarship tuition costs under an agreement with COG. Scholarship recipients have the choice of attending:

• Southeastern University
• Trinity College
• University of the District of Columbia
• University of the District of Columbia's Early Childhood Leadership Center
• Montgomery College

HESP is not just a scholarship program, however. Each scholarship recipient is also matched with an experienced mentor in the field of early childhood education to support and guide them in their endeavors as students and child care professionals. HESP's Mentor Program helps scholarship recipients balance work and school and apply classroom learning in the field. Since HESP began:

• $441,000 in scholarships funds have been dispersed.
• 273 scholarships have been awarded to 103 students.
• 1,118 credits have been earned.
• Degrees attained included CDA, A.A., B.A. and M.A.
• 35% of HESP students are attending college for the first time.
• Some students give back to HESP by serving as volunteer mentors.

Positive outcomes associated with HESP are:

• Better educated teachers in early child care environments who encourage higher developmental skills in children leading to lifelong effects.
• Children that have been exposed to quality early education centers enter public schools ready to learn and make the transition into school much easier than children who have not had such exposure.
• Child care providers benefit from higher morale, more competitive salaries, and job stability, carrying these benefits into the classroom and improving outcomes for children.
• The scholarship keeps the best teachers right here in the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. region teaching and enhancing our region's children.

HESP Application Requirements*

• Applicant must be employed at least 30 hours per week in a child care setting.
• Applicant must apply or be accepted at a participating HESP local college or university.
• Applicants must demonstrate an interest in continuing a career in early childhood development.
• Applicants must complete the FAFSA financial aid application .

*Please see the application form for complete application requirements.

2007 – 2008 Academic Year Application Process

Application forms for the 2007 – 2008 academic year are now available. You may download the 2007 – 2008 Academic Year Application Form here (right click the link and choose “Save Target As”):

•  PDF format: HESP 2007-2008 Application Packet

•  Microsoft Word format: HESP 2007-2008 Application Packet

Or you may:

•  Request an application by e-mail: rburnett@mwcog.org

•  Request an application by phone: 202-962-3246

The HESP Application Packet contains materials describing HESP along with the application form for the 2007 – 2008 academic year. Please complete the Application Packet electronically or in ink, print and then sign the packet and return all materials and attachments to:

MWCOG, Child Care Program – HESP
777 North Capitol Street, N.E., Suite 300
Washington , DC 20002-4290

COG does not currently accept applications submitted via e-mail.

Please note:

• All applications are due by June 30th, 2007.
• If you have previously applied for a scholarship, you must complete a new application form.
• Student interviews, if necessary, will be completed by July 20 th , 2007.
• Student notice of awards will be sent by August 3 rd , 2007.
• If you have any questions, please contact COG at: (202) 962-3246.

HESP funders include:

•  The DC Early Care and Education Administration