Head Start Pathways Program

College Assistance for Current & Future Early Childhood Educators

The Head Start Pathways Program (HSPP) is an initiative to increase the number of highly qualified early childhood classroom staff who possess Indigenous knowledge and cultural understanding, both in and around the White Earth Reservation in Northwest Minnesota. It offers scholarships and other support services to those seeking a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Scholarships

HSPP scholarships cover the cost of any required tuition, books, and fees that are not covered by other financial aid. For instance, a PELL grant is applied to a student’s bill first, then HSPP scholarship funds are used to cover the balance. All scholarships are awarded on a semester-by-semester basis. HSPP scholarships cover the cost of any required tuition, books, and fees that are not covered by other financial aid. For instance, a PELL grant is applied to a student’s bill first, then HSPP scholarship funds are used to cover the balance. All scholarships are awarded on a semester-by-semester basis.

Quick Links

​Prospective Students

• Email to Request More Information
• Apply to WETCC​
• Apply to UMN Crookston​
• HSPP Trifold Brochure

Current HSPP Students

• ​HSPP Emergency Aid Application
• ​HSPP Guidelines & Certificate of Agreement

Two Degree Pathways

Associate Degree (AA) 

• For those who are new to college or have earned some college credits
• Most courses taught in-person at WETCC, some in the evening, with a few available online

Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) 

• For those with a two-year degree (or equivalent college credits) or those with a bachelor’s degree in a different field who wish to pursue a BS in Early Childhood Education​
• Program courses delivered primarily online through UMN Crookston

Eligibility

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.Program spaces are limited to twenty (20) students in each pathway. Therefore, priority is assigned as follows:
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1. White Earth Head Start staff & parents
2. White Earth Child Care staff
3. Staff of other Head Start programs on or near the White Earth Reservation
4. Staff of other childcare programs on or near the White Earth Reservation
5. WETCC graduates
6. Area high school graduates and other community members

Cultural Activities

HSPP offers several cultural activities throughout the year. HSPP students are required to attend at least one of these cultural activities each semester. 

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HSPP is a collaborative between White Earth Tribal & Community College (WETCC), the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMN CROOKSTON) and White Earth Head Start (WEHS). It is made available through a Tribal Colleges and Universities Head Start Partnership grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start.