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.
Current HSPP Student Resources: 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
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 & Human Services Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start.
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.
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:
- White Earth Head Start staff & parents
- White Earth Child Care staff
- Staff of other Head Start programs on or near the White Earth Reservation
- Staff of other childcare programs on or near the White Earth Reservation
- WETCC graduates
- Area high school graduates and other community members
No Tribal affiliation is required. HSPP is open to both Native & non-Native students.
- Ready to learn more about the Head Start Pathways Program?
Cultural Activities
Because the goal of HSPP is to increase the number of highly qualified early childhood classroom staff with Indigenous knowledge and cultural understanding, HSPP offers several cultural activities throughout the year.
These activities are led by Indigenous presenters who share their knowledge by speaking, demonstrating, and/or teaching. HSPP students are required to attend at least one cultural activity each term.
Upcoming HSPP Events
