Early Childhood Education Fellowship Program
First Up ECE Fellowships are designed to educate, connect and support emerging leaders working to effect positive change in the field of early childhood education.
Sign Up For The Upcoming ECE Fellowship Information Session!
ECE Fellowship Information Session
Are you passionate about early childhood education and looking to join a group of like-minded advocates? Join us for the ECE Fellowship Info Session Tuesday, October 27th at 6:30pm! Come learn about the objectives of the First Up ECE Advocacy Fellowship program, the learning topics we will be diving into, and the expectations and time commitment from the participants. This program will be offered in English and Spanish, as well as the info session!
WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE ECE FELLOWSHIP!
First Up is now accepting applications for both the English and Hispanic Fellowships, NOW! There is just one application in both Spanish and English. We will be accepting applications until November 20th. Have questions? Learn more about the ECE Fellowship during our next info session on October 27th.
What’s involved?
Over the course of one year, participants will take part in 40-50 hours of group work or its equivalent, engage in advocacy campaigns, and follow through with advocacy activities in their local communities.
Participants commit to three in-person and two virtual collaborative learning sessions facilitated by First Up staff, with prep time included in the hours. The Fellowship experience culminates with a trip to Harrisburg to engage in conversation with lawmakers. Throughout the experience, fellows will connect with alumni fellows in various professional roles, engage with lawmakers, administrators, and elected officials, be invited to local and statewide ECE discussions, and be offered other leadership opportunities as relevant.
The Fellowship can be used for professional development through PQAS hours, Act 48 credits, Directors Credential renewal, and continuing education credits. Credit is awarded for each of the five sessions completed.
Who is eligible?
Early childhood educators and allies of all forms are welcome to apply to be a First Up Early Childhood Fellow. Participants for each cohort will be selected on a rolling, selective basis. Costs for books, food, and overnight lodging will be covered, and assistance is available for transportation needs. If you are interested, click below to apply or reach out to Elizabeth Farwell Ozer for support in English or Rosanna Matos for support in Spanish.
The application for the 2027 cohorts will be released in August 2026, and cohorts selected by December 1.
Interested in First Up’s ECE Fellowships? Fill out the form below to learn more!