USA Scholarships
LGK Continuing Early Educators Scholarship 2027
The Let''s Grow Kids Scholarship for Aspiring Early Educators - Continuing Students (LGK-CS) backs Vermont residents who are already in college working toward associate or bachelor degrees in early childhood education or related fields with an early childhood concentration. VSAC expects three-quarter-time enrollment at a Vermont Title IV school, at least a 2.5 GPA, FAFSA need, VTAEYC membership, and a commitment to work in Vermont early care for at least two years after graduation. Enter scholarship ID LGK-CS on the Unified Scholarship Application with essay #1, a non-relative recommendation, and a transcript before February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
What is the Let's Grow Kids Continuing Early Educators Scholarship?
Vermont child care needs more trained teachers than the state can hire today, and LGK-CS targets people already halfway through that climb. You are the student who works in a center or home program, carries nine or more credits, and needs tuition help to finish an associate or bachelor degree with an early childhood focus.
The continuing track is stricter about geography than the new-student track. LGK-CS disbursement rules require a Vermont Title IV campus, which matches how workforce grants keep graduates in state. Pair that with a two-year post-graduation work promise, VTAEYC membership, and a 2.5 GPA floor, and you see a fund built for working educators, not casual explorers.
Essay number one should read like a staffing plan. Name the age group, the county, and the program type you hope to join. FAFSA need still matters, so file early even when your paycheck already goes mostly to tuition. Let's Grow Kids has offered $1,500 awards in public announcements, with extra VTAEYC membership support for strong applicants in some cycles.
Use LGK-CS on the Unified Scholarship Application, not LGK-NS. Upload your transcript, confirm three-quarter-time enrollment, and hit February 11, 2027 before MyVSAC locks for the night.
Eligibility
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✓Vermont residencyBe a Vermont resident under VSAC assisted scholarship rules when you complete the Unified Scholarship Application.
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✓Continuing undergraduate studentBe a current college student pursuing an associate or bachelor degree, not a first-year applicant using the LGK-NS track.
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✓Early childhood major or concentrationStudy early childhood education, early childhood special education, child development, human services with an early childhood concentration, or another related field named in VSAC disbursement rules.
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✓Vermont Title IV collegeAttend an accredited school located within Vermont that is approved for federal Title IV funding.
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✓Three-quarter time and 2.5 GPAEnroll at least three-quarter time and hold at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale on the transcript you upload.
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✓VTAEYC membership and Vermont work planBe a member of the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children and intend to work in Vermont early care for at least two years after college.
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✓Financial need and serviceDemonstrate financial need through FAFSA plus school or community involvement that shows education and work ethic.
Benefits
- Typical award Scholarships up to $1,500 when Let's Grow Kids funding allows
- Workforce goal Strengthen infant, toddler, and pre-K teacher pipeline
- VTAEYC bonus Top applicants may receive VTAEYC membership support per Let's Grow Kids announcements
- Renewability Not guaranteed; confirm each cycle in the current VSAC booklet
- Graduate study Associate and bachelor programs only
- Out-of-state college Continuing track requires a Vermont campus
Document checklist
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✓Unified Scholarship Application (USA)Complete the USA in MyVSAC and enter scholarship ID LGK-CS for 2027-2028.
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✓FAFSA for 2027-2028File FAFSA after October 1, 2026 because financial need is part of the selection profile for this workforce fund.
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✓Essay #1 (general essay)Explain your early childhood career goals, Vermont work plan, financial need, and community service in at least 250 words as VSAC essay rules require.
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✓Recommendation letter #1 (non-relative)Submit one non-relative recommendation from a professor, supervisor, or mentor who knows your classroom or child care work.
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✓Official transcriptUpload transcripts showing your cumulative GPA and early childhood coursework.
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✓VTAEYC membershipConfirm membership in the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children and note it on the USA where VSAC requests affiliation details.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the difference between LGK-CS and LGK-NS?
LGK-CS is for continuing college students who already attend an undergraduate early childhood program. LGK-NS is for new students entering that pipeline. Each uses a different VSAC ID on the Unified Scholarship Application.
How much is the Let's Grow Kids continuing scholarship?
Let's Grow Kids has publicized $1,500 scholarships in prior cycles. VSAC disbursement depends on available funding each year.
Must I join VTAEYC for LGK-CS?
Yes. CareerOneStop and Let's Grow Kids materials list membership in the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children as an eligibility requirement.
What GPA do I need for LGK-CS?
Plan for at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale on the transcript you submit with the application.
Do I have to work in Vermont after graduation?
Yes. Applicants must intend to work in Vermont early care for at least two years after college to match the workforce purpose of the fund.
Can I study human services and still apply?
Related majors such as human services qualify when your program includes an early childhood concentration, matching VSAC disbursement language for LGK awards.
When is the LGK-CS deadline?
Submit through MyVSAC by February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern unless a future VSAC booklet moves the assisted scholarship date.
What VSAC ID do continuing early educators use?
Enter LGK-CS on the Unified Scholarship Application. Do not select LGK-NS if you are already enrolled in college.
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