Erie's Future Fund Scholarship

A high-quality preschool scholarship for income-eligible families of children up to two years prior to Kindergarten eligibility, who reside in Erie County. This scholarship is uniquely designed to partner with over 40 centers throughout Erie County to reach high-need families.

Geographic Scope: Erie County, Pennsylvania

Target Population:

• Children ages up to 2 years prior to Kindergarten eligibility
• Income-eligible families residing in Erie County
• Children from high-need families

Focus Areas:

• High-quality preschool access
• School readiness
• Early learning quality improvement
• Family engagement in children's education

Eligibility Requirements:

• Family must be income-eligible
• Child must reside in Erie County
• Child must be age-eligible (up to 2 years prior to Kindergarten entry)

Partner Centers:
Over 40 allied centers throughout Erie County participate in the program. See "Current Allied Centers" for full list.

Quality Standards:
Participating centers must meet Keystone STARS quality standards (STAR 1-4 levels). Keystone STARS is an initiative of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) that measures continuous quality improvement in early learning programs, addressing:

• Staff qualifications and professional development
• Early learning program quality
• Partnerships with families and community
• Leadership and management

Funding Sources:

• Direct donations
• EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) donations
• Cause-related marketing efforts

Original Stakeholders & Supporters:

• The Erie Community Foundation
• United Way of Erie County
• Local members of the Early Learning Investment Commission
• Early Connections (coordinating organization)

Program Administration:
Early Connections is coordinating the Erie's Future Fund Scholarship Effort, providing support to:

• Fundraising efforts
• Policy development
• Direct administration of the scholarship

Program Evaluation:

• Formative evaluation: Provides implementation information and improvement suggestions
• Summative evaluation: Measures impact on school readiness, quality supply expansion, and parent engagement

Contact:

• Phone: (814) 874-0144
• Address: 200 W 11th St Suite 200, Erie, Pennsylvania 16501

How to Apply

1. Determine Eligibility: Verify income eligibility and child age requirements
2. Find Participating Center: Select from over 40 allied centers throughout Erie County
3. Submit Application: Complete application through the participating center or Early Connections
4. Income Verification: Provide documentation of household income
5. Enrollment: Upon approval, child enrolls in high-quality preschool program

Required Information:

• Proof of Erie County residency
• Income documentation to verify eligibility
• Child's age verification
• Selected participating center preference

Note: Specific application deadlines and detailed requirements available through participating centers or by contacting Early Connections directly.