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.

Program Updates

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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.

Course Informationincluding the course number, title, beginning date, end date and number of credits.
DHS Certificate of Complianceobtained from the Director/Owner of your current employer.
Employer Attestation Formto be completed by the Director/Owner of your current employer.
Itemized Financial Billing Statement
Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education PD Commitment Form(English)
Formulario de compromiso de desarrollo profesional para la educación de la infancia temprana de Pensilvania(Español)
Transcriptshowing current GPA as of most recent completed semester. Official transcript with raised seal not required. (Not required only if this is the first course taken for this degree/certificate)
Type of Courseworkwhich may be listed on your transcripts, degree audit or other documentation from your institute of higher learning.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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?

All applications should be completed in Pennsylvania’s Professional Development (PD) Registry. All documentation should be submitted digitally with the application, by email (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.

Are there other financial assistance options available?

Yes! Learn more for financial assistance options that may be available to you.

Contact

pakeyvoucherprogram@pakeys.org
800-284-6031