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Learn and Earn Career Pathway Program

First up

Foundation Rolling (Quarterly) Grants for EducationWorkforce Development GrantsChild Care Grants

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle
Rolling — applications accepted year-round
Tracked since
April 2026

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Other requirements

  • Full-time employment working 25 hours or more per week
  • Ability to take courses every semester, including summer sessions
  • Eligible for TEACH scholarship program
  • Motivation necessary to succeed in intensive academic program

Overview

Learn and Earn Career Pathway Program

Overview: An integrated academic and on-the-job learning program that combines competency development, coaching, mentorship, and professional development. Designed to prepare participants to assume lead roles within the early childhood education (ECE) community while earning college credits.

Geographic Scope: Southeast Region of Pennsylvania

Program Options:

  • Pre-Apprenticeship CTE Dual Enrollment Program: Introduces basics of ECE as part of Career and Technical Education; targets high school students or those with minimal ECE experience; offered in partnership with Chester County Technical High School, Brandywine Campus

  • CDA Pre-Apprenticeship Program: For individuals interested in obtaining CDA credential but uncomfortable with full collegiate programs

  • Associate Degree Program (AA): Apprenticeship model combining on-the-job learning with academic coursework from Community College of Philadelphia or Delaware County Community College; for individuals with some college credit or completion of pre-apprenticeship program; results in AA degree in ECE with pathway to bachelor's degree

  • Bachelor's Degree Apprenticeship Program: Advanced apprenticeship incorporating NYAEC on-the-job learning with Arcadia University coursework; for individuals who have completed an associate degree; prepares students for leadership roles

    • Program Components:

  • Accelerated coursework (9 credits for on-the-job work)

  • Competencies aligned with NAEYC standards

  • Typical completion timeline: around two years

  • On-site coaching with individualized attention from employers' identified coaches

  • Regular meetings with coaches to assess competencies

  • Tuition support through TEACH scholarship program, PHMC PDO, and OCDEL Grants

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Full-time employment working 25 hours or more per week

  • Ability to take courses every semester, including summer sessions

  • Eligible for TEACH scholarship program

  • Motivation necessary to succeed in intensive academic program

  • Ability to commit to weekly coaching and competency attainment meetings

    • Employer Commitment: Employers identify coaches, support weekly meetings, enable fulfillment of schoolwork and class schedules, review documentation materials, and collaborate with First Up mentors

    Partner Institutions:

  • Community College of Philadelphia

  • Delaware County Community College

  • Northampton Community College (NCC)

  • Arcadia University

  • Chester County Career and Technical High School Brandywine Campus

    • Contact: Lizette Woods | info@firstup.org | 215-893-0130

    How to Apply

    How to Apply

    1. For Pre-Apprenticeship CTE Dual Enrollment: Email First Up to learn more
    2. For CDA Pre-Apprenticeship Program: Email First Up to learn more
    3. For Associate Degree Program: Email First Up to learn more
    4. For Bachelor's Degree Apprenticeship Program: Email First Up to learn more

    Required Materials: Contact First Up for specific application requirements for your chosen pathway

    Contact for Questions: Lizette Woods or info@firstup.org | 215-893-0130

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    What First up actually gave

    Source: IRS Form 990, 2024 — the most recent filing with itemized grants

    First up reported $58K in grants for 2025 as a total without an itemized list; the grant details below are from 2024, its most recent itemized filing.

    Grants in 2024
    1
    Total given
    $6,000
    Median grant
    $6,000
    • By dollars: Pennsylvania 100%. Top recipient cities: Philadelphia, PA.

    Example grants

    • Hasan's Interactive Learning Center · Philadelphia, PA

      Equip / pif

      $6,000

    IRS Form 990, 2024. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    educationworkforce-developmentchild-care

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