Erie’s Future Fund Scholarship
Erie’s Future Fund helps eligible Erie County families access high-quality preschool at participating child care centers. The scholarship is designed to support children up to two years before kindergarten and help families prepare for school success.
Families can apply online using the Erie’s Future Fund scholarship application. Paper applications are also available, and assistance is available upon request.
Not sure if you qualify? Review the eligibility information or contact Erie’s Future Fund for help with next steps.
A Little History
Erie’s Future Fund was created in 2011 as an outgrowth of the Erie Community Foundation’s Early Childhood Advisory Panel, in partnership with United Way of Erie County, members of the Early Learning Investment Commission, and Erie Together.
Leaders from the foundation, corporate, nonprofit, and civic sectors came together to address growing concerns about school readiness among children entering kindergarten. They recognized that gaps in early learning access could have a lasting impact on children, families, Erie County’s economy, and the overall quality of life in the community.
Early childhood research shows that focused investments in high-quality early learning can create strong public returns, especially for children living in families with lower income levels. Erie’s Future Fund was designed to provide preschool scholarships to eligible families in Erie County communities with high levels of need.
Through Erie’s Future Fund, children ages 3 and 4 can attend a high-quality early childhood education program at a participating public or private center that meets STAR 3, STAR 4, or approved equivalent quality standards. Families also receive guidance on selecting a program, supporting school readiness, and connecting with health, child development, and community resources.
Erie’s Future Fund’s initial goal was to provide scholarships for approximately 285 children during the 2012–2013 school year. Today, the scholarship continues to support access to quality preschool and stronger starts for children across Erie County.
Raising and Providing Funds
Erie’s Future Fund is made possible through the continued support of community partners, funders, businesses, organizations, and individuals who believe every child deserves access to high-quality early childhood education.
Early Connections administers the Erie’s Future Fund Scholarship Program and helps support the fundraising effort, policy development, and direct administration of the scholarship program. These efforts help provide preschool scholarships for eligible Erie County families and expand access to quality early learning opportunities for children ages 3 and 4.
Scholarship support allows children to attend participating public and private early childhood education programs that meet quality standards, including STAR 3, STAR 4, or an approved equivalent rating. This helps families choose a program that fits their needs while giving children a stronger foundation before kindergarten.
Contributions to Erie’s Future Fund help remove financial barriers for families, support school readiness, and invest in the long-term success of children, families, and the Erie County community.
Businesses can help expand access to preschool through EITC giving. If your business participates in Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, your support can help provide Erie’s Future Fund scholarships for eligible children and families in Erie County.
