For the Famililes
We are now accepting applications and have a limited number of scholarships available. Applications may be submitted electronically by emailing Hannah Cowan at hcowan@earlyconnectionserie.org or calling 814-874-0144 ext. 17.
Begin building a better future for your child before kindergarten!
Erie’s Future Fund financially assists families in preparing their children for kindergarten by providing a scholarship to attend quality programs throughout Erie County.
If your child has up to two years before they enter kindergarten and qualifies for the Erie’s Future Fund scholarship, they will be able to attend an approved high-quality Early Childhood Education Program for 3 or 5 half-days a week during the school year, from September through May.
Which program can my child attend?
The scholarship can be used at one of the many high-quality Keystone STARS 3 and 4 programs, or approved rating equivalent (see Scholarship Director for requirements if the site is not STARS 3 or 4). Once your child qualifies for the scholarship, you can choose and enroll them in one of the eligible programs.
Who can apply?
You may apply if your child will be 3 or 4 by the beginning of the school year (please contact the Scholarship Director at the number below for the cut-off dates that are more specific to your local school district), meet the income guidelines, and reside within Erie County.
Families with an annual income that is at or below 350% of poverty, according to the yearly Federal Guidelines for Poverty, are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Refer to the table below for the income guidelines:
| Household size | 350% |
|---|---|
| 1 | $52,710 |
| 2 | $71,540 |
| 3 | $90,370 |
| 4 | $109,200 |
| 5 | $128,030 |
| 6 | $146,860 |
| 7 | $165,690 |
| 8 | $184,520 |
What is needed to apply?
Applying for a scholarship is easy. Families need to provide proof of their child’s age, family income, and residence in Erie County. Our Scholarship Director will be available to help you with the application process and provide a list of eligible programs to choose from.
Contact Hannah Cowan: Erie’s Future Fund Scholarship Director at 874-0144 x17 or e-mail: hcowan@earlyconnectionserie.org as soon as possible for more information and an appointment to fill out an application.
The application is also available to download at the top of this page. You can email the application to hcowan@earlyconnectionserie.org, fax it to 814-874-0147, or mail it in to
Early Connections Administrative Offices
Attention: Erie’s Future Fund
200 West 11th St
Suite 200
Erie, PA 16501
with proof of your child’s age, proof of your address, and proof of gross annual household income. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, we are more than happy to help and look forward to hearing from you!
