Louisville nonprofit launches scholarship pilot program to address childcare worker shortage

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Louisville nonprofit is launching a pilot program aimed at addressing a shortage of childcare workers by offering college students scholarships in exchange for working at local childcare centers.

The initiative comes as childcare providers across Louisville continue to struggle with staffing shortages, making it even harder for families to find available care.

Thrive by 5 said the workforce gap is compounding an already limited supply of childcare options, and it wanted to look for a solution.

"There are not enough childcare slots for the number of children that we have zero to five in the city," said Reylene Robinson, executive director of Thrive by 5. "When you take into account a workforce shortage on top of the small number of slots that we have, it complicates the problem."

For childcare centers already operating with limited resources, staffing can be a major challenge. Maria Wilson, founder and CEO of The Elijah Academy, said finding and keeping workers is not easy.

"I want to pay them more but I can't," Wilson said.

The scholarship program, funded in part by Louisville Metro, covers remaining tuition costs after financial aid for participating college students. Students also earn an hourly paycheck while working and can receive free child care if needed.

Guadalupe Garcia Estarad received the scholarship while working at the Elijah Academy. She is studying science at Jefferson Community and Technical College with hopes of becoming an engineer,.

Garcia Estarad said she was skeptical at first.

"I thought that sounds too good to be true, but I might as well try," Garcia Estarad said.

In her position, Garcia Estarad shares STEM activities with children. For many families, she also provides a connection in their native language.

"When they first met Guadalupe, how their face lit up when she started speaking Spanish — it's like, 'Oh okay, I can connect with you,'" Wilson said.

Garcia Estarad said the experience has been rewarding for her as well.

"They always show me something new and I show them something new too," she said.

Wilson said students like Garcia Estrada have become some of the center’s strongest employees, even for those who do not plan to stay in childcare long-term.

"It's a win-win for everyone," Wilson said.

Right now, the scholarship initiative is still in its pilot phase, but Thrive by 5 plans to expand it to 20 students during the upcoming school year.

Click here to apply.