Location
Contact Information
NWPDO Funding Info Session
Description
We are excited to share a new opportunity that could help you move forward in your education career—at little to no cost!
Join us for a virtual information session to learn about affordable pathways into Early Childhood Education through a partnership between Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) and the Northwest Professional Development Organization (NWPDO). Eligible students may receive funding starting this fall to cover tuition and books for up to 6 credits per term through degree completion. This initiative is designed to support your continued progress toward your degree while reducing financial barriers and expanding access to valuable credentials and coursework.
This is a great chance to stay on track (or even get ahead!) while building skills that directly support your future in education and early childhood fields. Whether you're just getting started or continuing your program, this funding can help you take the next step with confidence.
This funding opportunity is supported by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) of Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) and Pennsylvania’s Department of Education (PDE). For more information, visit dhs.pa.gov and education.pa.gov.
Important: These information sessions are intended for individuals interested in NPRC's Associate Degrees in Early Childhood Education or Education Studies or the 12-credit Pre-Education Certificate. NPRC does not offer bachelor's degrees nor teacher certification. Students seeking teacher certification will need to transfer an associate degree from NPRC to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree and certification requirements
Upcoming Dates And Times
- Aug 11, 20266:30 PM - 7:30 PM (10:30 PM - 11:30 PM UTC)Available spots
Questions & Answers
- What is the Early Childhood Education Career Pathway
Early childhood providers have a valuable opportunity through the partnership between Northern Pennsylvania Regional College and the Northwest Professional Development Organization (NWPDO) to take meaningful steps toward their educational and career goals. Together, these organizations make it easier to access affordable college credits while building a clear pathway to an associate degree. The NWPDO, led by Northwest Institute of Research, Inc. and supported by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, is dedicated to helping early childhood professionals grow through accessible, high-quality learning opportunities. With guidance, support, and reduced financial barriers, this partnership is designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence—strengthening not only your career, but also the children, families, and communities you serve.
- Who is eligible for the Northwest Professional Development Organization funding?
To be designated as an eligible recipient of PDO funds, students must:
- Be a Pennsylvania Resident
- Be a current employee at a PA DHS certified child care program for 3 months or more or demonstrate employment history of 6 months in PA DHS certified child care if newly hired
- Work an average of 25 hours per week directly in a PA DHS certified child care program
- For child care directors make no more than $25.00 per hour; for child care teachers, asst. teachers and aides make no more than $21.63 per hour
- Be interested in pursuing coursework at a participating college toward an AA or BA degree or a CDA credential
- GPA and course grades meet transfer requirements; a watch plan is developed for participants not meeting transfer requirements
- Can I transfer credits to NPRC that were earned at a different college or university?
Yes! If you are a student who has previously earned college credit at another institution, you are able to see what credits may transfer prior to applying by submitting an unofficial transcript to the Office of the Registrar for review. To view at a glance courses that NPRC has accepted in transfer, you can explore our Accepted Transfer Credits on the PA TRAC website.
Students who are looking to transfer credits to NPRC must submit an official transcript from any college of record directly to the NPRC’s Office of the Registrar for transfer credit evaluation. Major courses within a degree should be within 10 years of transfer credit evaluation. The course completion date is not considered when evaluating General Education courses for transfer credit.
