Early Childhood Family Education Teacher Shortage Grant
Forecasted
Early Childhood Family Education Teacher Shortage Grant supports Minnesota colleges with tuition relief and student services to strengthen the pipeline of licensed early childhood and family educators.
Funder: Minnesota Office of Higher Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Proposal submission)
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 per institution; $950,000 total and 3–4 awards estimated in the previous RFP
Summary: Supports Minnesota postsecondary institutions providing tuition relief and student services to address early childhood and family education teacher shortages.
Key Information: Applicants must offer an eligible PELSB-approved teacher preparation program; transfer-aligned programs alone are not eligible.
Description
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) administers this grant to strengthen the pipeline of licensed teachers serving Minnesota’s youngest learners and their families. It reimburses postsecondary institutions for eligible expenses associated with tuition relief and other supports for students in early childhood and family education teacher preparation programs.
The program supports pathways to initial licenses, additional licenses, and endorsements in early childhood education, parent and family education, preprimary education, and early childhood special education. Its priorities include student attendance, retention, and completion, equitable access to support, and outreach to populations experiencing inequities or disparities. The program particularly emphasizes expanding licensure pathways for future educators from rural communities and students of color.
