July 23, 2026 By CDHD Emerging Leaders Scholarship opens postgrad possibilities Did you know the IdahoSTARS project offers academic scholarships for those interested in early childhood education (ECE)? It’s true! Scholarships and reimbursements are available for credits, undergraduate degrees and postgraduate study. This includes the Academic Emerging Leaders Scholarship. This postgraduate scholarship is open to those in the ECE field who have a bachelor’s degree, offering a pathway toward a leadership career in child care, preschool and out of school time care. IdahoSTARS is currently supporting nine students as they pursue their master’s degree. Three additional students graduated this spring from Boise State University. This includes Ashlee Larson, who completed her Master of Education (MEd). “Your investment in early childhood professionals makes a meaningful difference, and I am truly grateful to have been selected,” she said. “This scholarship has not only eased the financial burden of pursuing my degree but has also affirmed my commitment to serving young children, families and communities here in Idaho.” The project views the scholarship as an investment in the future of early childhood education. It removes the financial barriers that can come with higher education and creates opportunities for child care professionals to advance their skills. Most importantly, it helps to reinforce the passion that many recipients have for this field, driving meaningful change for children, families and communities in Idaho. Scholarship recipients open the door to a range of career opportunities that can influence child care quality, educator development and early childhood policy. This includes everything from early childhood program directors and preschool administrators to curriculum specialists and professional development trainers. The Emerging Leaders Scholarship provides postgraduate degrees through both BSU and the University of Idaho. The former offers the opportunity to complete an MEd in Early and Special Education, with a focus on ECE, leadership and applied action research. The University of Idaho pathway will see participants enroll in and complete a Master of Science in the Family and Consumer Science program, which focuses on child development and leadership in the ECE field. “Thank you for believing in educators and for continuing to uplift the early childhood field. Your work matters, and I am honored to have been a recipient of this scholarship,” said Ashlee. For more information about the Emerging Leaders Scholarship, or any professional development opportunities, visit the IdahoSTARS website.