The Minnesota Office of Higher Education today announced the opening of the Early Childhood and Family Education (ECFE) Teacher Shortage Grant Program Request for Proposals; a key initiative aimed at strengthening the pipeline of licensed teachers who serve Minnesota’s youngest learners and their families.
This grant program supports postsecondary institutions that prepare early childhood and family education teachers, providing critical funding to expand pathways to licensure, particularly for future educators from rural communities and students of color. Grant funds may be used for tuition relief, student recruitment and outreach, and a range of support services designed to ensure aspiring educators can successfully enter profession.
The FY 26-27 ECFE Teacher Shortage Grant request for proposals is now available online, and the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) invites all eligible colleges and universities to apply by May 8, 2026.
Up to $950,000 is available to award eligible postsecondary institutions grants of up to $250,000 each.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants are post-secondary institutions, located in Minnesota, that offer a PELSB-Approved teacher preparation program that leads to one of the following teacher licenses (initial license, additional license, or endorsement):
- Early Childhood Education
- Parent and Family Education
- Preprimary Education
- Special Education: Early Childhood
2025 Request for Proposal Timeline
- April 6, 2026 – Request for Proposal available online
- April 27, 2026 – Deadline to submit technical questions
- May 8, 2026 (4:00 pm CT) - Deadline to submit proposal
- May 29, 2026 - Award notice to applicants
For more information, full eligibility requirements, deadlines or to find the Request for Proposal, visit the OHE website or email gwi.ohe@state.mn.us.
