Early Childhood Family Education Teacher Shortage Grant
Limited submissionForecasted
Early Childhood Family Education Teacher Shortage Grant supports Minnesota teacher preparation institutions with tuition relief and student services to build the pipeline of licensed early childhood educators.
Funder: Minnesota Office of Higher Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Proposal submission)
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 per institution; $950,000 available for FY 2026–2027, with 3–4 awards estimated
Summary: Supports Minnesota teacher preparation institutions with tuition relief and student services to address early childhood and family education teacher shortages.
Key Information: Institutions must offer an eligible PELSB-approved teacher preparation program; aligned transfer programs alone are not eligible.
Description
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) administers this program to strengthen the pipeline of licensed teachers serving Minnesota’s youngest learners and their families. Grants reimburse Minnesota postsecondary institutions for tuition relief and other supports for students enrolled in eligible early childhood and family education teacher preparation programs. Supported pathways include initial licenses, additional licenses, and endorsements.
The program combines financial assistance with recruitment, outreach, and student services that support postsecondary attendance, retention, and completion. Its priorities include expanding licensure pathways for future educators from rural communities and students of color, and ensuring equitable access for populations experiencing disparities or significant barriers to postsecondary attainment. Supported activities include personnel costs, tuition and fee relief, direct student assistance, mentoring, counseling, and marketing and communication.
