NOTE: Approval of applications for both CDA Vouchers and Rising STARS Tuition Assistance will be temporarily delayed as available funding is being assessed.  Your applications will be accepted. Final approval may extend into the first weeks of July 2025.

Rising STARS Tuition Assistance (RSTA) Program

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The Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program pays 95% of tuition costs and fees for eligible college coursework taken by early learning professionals, with a maximum benefit of $8,000 per individual each fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). Tuition costs and fees net of other funding sources such as scholarships, stipends, discounts or grants (except the Pell Grant) are used to determine the amount of assistance. It is recommended completed applications be submitted at least four weeks prior to the start of the course, or prior to the tuition due date, whichever is first. 

NOTE: As of July 1, 2020, the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance program no longer funds degree programs including Associates, Bachelors, Masters or Teacher Certification coursework.

  • For approved coursework, individuals will receive 95% of tuition costs and fees net of other funding sources for approved coursework up to eighteen (18) credits.
  • Email pakeyvoucherprogram@pakeys.org for more information about book reimbursement and facility stipends.

Eligibility Requirements*

To be eligible for funding consideration, applicants must meet all the following requirements:

  • Pennsylvania resident;
  • Working a minimum of twenty (20) hours weekly in a classroom setting or as the director, assistant director or education coordinator;
  • Working in a child care facility that holds a current (in good standing) Child Care License under the Department of Human Services (DHS) and demonstrates continuous employment for at least 12 months;
  • Agreeing to continue to work in a Keystone STARS facility for two months for every credit supported by the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program with two months beginning at the conclusion of the course for which funding was received. (Total time due will not exceed 24 months following the conclusion of the most recent course completed.);**
  • Child Care Center Directors, Assistant Directors, Family or Group Child Care Home Owners/Operators: Earning less than $25.00 per hour or $52,000 annually.
  • Aides, Assistant Teachers, Teachers: Earning less than $21.63 per hour or $45,000 annually.
  • Enrolled in credit-bearing courses at an in-state accredited institution toward an approved credential; and
  • Maintaining a 3.0 GPA for the credit-bearing coursework toward fa credential in which the student is enrolled.

*NOTE: Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.

Required Documentation for Application

The following documents must be submitted with your application. Incomplete applications or those submitted with missing documents may result in delayed or rejected funding.

Official Course Schedule

This needs to include the course title, course number, number of credits and course start/end date.

Itemized Financial Billing Statement

This must indicate that the applicant has been registered for the course and must state the course name and the tuition cost for that specific course. Fees or other costs should not be included in the tuition cost line.

Transcript

This must show your current GPA for previously RSTA funded courses. Your official transcript is not required to have a raised seal. 

Employer Attestation Form

This form needs to be completed by the Director/Owner of your current employer.

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DHS Certificate of Compliance

This should be obtained from Director/Owner of your current employer. 

Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education Professional Development (PD) Commitment Form

This form serves as a statement to explain the requirements of participation and an attestation to receiving funding. 

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NOTE: Email pakeyvoucherprogram@pakeys.org for more information about book reimbursement and facility stipends.

How To Apply

If you meet the eligibility requirements and have gathered all the required documentation, complete the application for the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance (RSTA) program in Pennsylvania’s Professional Development (PD) Registry (papdregistry.org).

Directions on how to apply are available at pakeys.org/apply-rsta.

All documentation should be submitted digitally with the application by email at pakeyvoucherprogram@pakeys.org or via fax to 717-213-0585.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance (RSTA) program?

The Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program pays 95% of tuition costs and fees for eligible college coursework taken by early learning professionals, with a maximum benefit of $8,000 per individual each fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). Tuition costs and fees net of other funding sources such as scholarships, stipends, discounts or grants (except the Pell Grant) are used to determine the amount of assistance. It is recommended completed applications be submitted at least four weeks prior to the start of the course, or prior to the tuition due date, whichever is first.

Who is eligible to RSTA?

  • Pennsylvania resident;
  • Working a minimum of twenty (20) hours weekly in a classroom setting or as the director, assistant director or education coordinator;
  • Working in a child care facility that holds a current (in good standing) Child Care License under the Department of Human Services (DHS) and demonstrates continuous employment for at least 12 months;
  • Agreeing to continue to work in a Keystone STARS facility for two months for every credit supported by the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program with two months beginning at the conclusion of the course for which funding was received. (Total time due will not exceed 24 months following the conclusion of the most recent course completed.);**
  • Child Care Center Directors, Assistant Directors, Family or Group Child Care Home Owners/Operators: Earning less than $25.00 per hour or $52,000 annually.
  • Aides, Assistant Teachers, Teachers: Earning less than $21.63 per hour or $45,000 annually.
  • Enrolled in credit-bearing courses at an in-state accredited institution toward an approved credential; and
  • Maintaining a 3.0 GPA for the credit-bearing coursework toward fa credential in which the student is enrolled.

Where do I apply?

If you meet the eligibility requirements and have gathered all the required documentation, complete the application for the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance (RSTA) program in Pennsylvania’s Professional Development (PD) Registry (papdregistry.org).

Directions on how to apply are available at pakeys.org/apply-rsta.

All documentation should be submitted digitally with the application, by email at pakeyvoucherprogram@pakeys.org or via fax to 717-213-0585.

How long until I hear back about my application?

If you have not received an email indicating approval, denial, or the need for more documentation to complete your application within two weeks of submission of your application, contact pakeyvoucherprogram@pakeys.org to ensure the application has been received and processed.

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