STATEHOUSE (May 26, 2021) – State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) encourages working families seeking high-quality early education and out-of-school programs for their children to apply for Build, Learn, Grow scholarships.
To qualify for a scholarship, one family member must qualify as an essential worker, like those who work in health care or food service, and their family must meet income eligibility requirements. Scholarships can be used for their child's early care and education, and summer learning or out-of-school care. Smaltz said the scholarship will cover 80% of child care costs for children up to age 12.
"Helping essential workers offset some associated child care costs can give them peace of mind," Smaltz said. "There is something available for most kids, whether parents are looking to enroll their child in pre-K, help their student catch up and stay on track in class, or have a place for their child to go before or after school."
Smaltz said applications are open through Oct. 31, 2021, and there are 50,000 scholarships available through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration on a first-come, first-served basis.
Currently, the Bright Beginning Daycare, JAM Early Education Daycare, Lighthouse Montessori Education Center and the YMCA of DeKalb County Early Learning programs in DeKalb County, along with 50 centers in Allen County are all participating programs. Smaltz said more facilities can apply and will be added to the list upon approval.
The application, list of eligible programs and income requirements for the Build, Learn, Grow scholarship fund are available at brighterfuturesindiana.org/scholarships/families. All Indiana essential businesses and operations are listed at coronavirus.in.gov/2496.htm.
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State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52, which
includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Steuben and Allen counties.
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