Can I receive Academic Scholarships for more than one credential or degree?

As long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements for our Academic Scholarships program, you can continue to apply each time you are working towards a new credential or degree.

If you are enrolled in two different educational programs, you may be able to receive scholarships for both programs at the same time. For example, if you are earning your CDA credential and Associate degree at the same time, you can receive our CDA Scholarships program and Academic Scholarships program at the same time.

If you have earned your Bachelor’s degree with tuition assistance from DECAL Scholars, and desire to further your education, you could go back and earn your CDA or TCC (such as a TCC in Early Childhood Care and Education Program Administration) and apply to receive tuition assistance from DECAL Scholars. However, you may not be eligible for any additional Incentives payments once you complete your program if the credential or degree you have recently earned is considered a lower level than your highest level credential or degree earned in early childhood education.

How much will I receive from the Academic Scholarships program?

(1) Tuition and Fees

If you meet the eligibility requirements each semester you are enrolled, you will receive Academic Scholarships funds as follows, after any financial aid or outside scholarships are taken into account:

80% of tuition and mandatory fees per semester at a public college/university
Up to $2,496 of tuition and mandatory fees per semester at a private college/university

Tuition and fees are paid directly to the college or university.

(2) Support Stipend

You will also receive a support stipend as follows:

$250 per semester for 1-3 credit hours
$500 per semester for 4(+) credit hours
Special programs
- Infant/Toddler program of study: $500 per semester for 1-3 credit hours or $1,000 for 4(+) credit hours
- DECAL-licensed Family Child Care Learning Home providers: $750 per semester for 1-3 credit hours or $1,500 for 4(+) credit hours

The support stipend is paid directly to the applicant after the end of the drop/add period each semester.

Which supporting document formats will DECAL Scholars accept?

It is important that you send all supporting documents at the time of completing your application to avoid any delays in processing.

DECAL Scholars accepts legible PDFs, screenshots, photo copies, scans, and photos (only in JPG format, not HEIC). Please do not send documents as links.

What documents must be uploaded with my Academic Scholarships application?

The following documents must be uploaded with your application:

Copies of two recent paystubs reflecting the name of your employer, your name, and gross and net year-to-date wages. If you are a Family Child Care Learning Home or a Director/Owner and do not pay yourself W-2 wages, you should submit a copy of last year’s Schedule C, Schedule K, or other federal tax form documenting net business income. If your paystubs do not meet these requirements, we may ask for additional information.
Copy of your Submission Summary from financial aid and then your award/denial letter once available.
Your schedule of classes.
Copy of your Professional Development System (GaPDS) profile reflecting your GaPDS number, the name of your current employer, and a “Pending” or “Active” status.
Copy of the front and back of a secure and verifiable document.