OSAC Oregon Student Child Care Grant Program

The Oregon Student Child Care Grant Program is administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to support parents who are enrolled in postsecondary education in Oregon. The grant is designed to help eligible students afford safe and dependable child care services that allow them to complete their academic programs while ensuring the developmental needs of their children are met. The application period for the 2025-26 academic year is currently open and will accept submissions until June 2, 2025. This grant program targets Oregon residents who have a legal dependent age 12 or under, or an older child with qualifying special needs. Applicants must use childcare providers who are either listed with the Oregon Department of Human Services or registered/certified with the Oregon Child Care Division. Additionally, applicants must not have obtained a bachelor's degree and must be enrolled or planning to enroll as undergraduates at eligible Oregon postsecondary institutions, which include Oregon community colleges, public universities, and private universities, but exclude for-profit institutions owned by corporations outside Oregon. The grant awards are competitive due to limited funding and are prioritized as follows: continuing recipients who maintain eligibility, followed by new applicants evaluated on credits earned toward a degree, financial need as determined by FAFSA or ORSAA, use of eligible childcare providers, and enrollment status. Full-time students are prioritized, while half-time students must complete at least 36 quarter or 24 semester credits per academic year to be eligible. The maximum annual grant amount is $10,000, and funding is sent directly to the school’s financial aid office to be applied to the student’s account. To maintain eligibility for renewal, students must reapply annually, submit a FAFSA or ORSAA, earn sufficient academic credits, remain enrolled in an approved program, maintain academic progress, submit transcripts, and ensure both their child(ren) and childcare provider meet ongoing program requirements. Disbursement is not made directly to the childcare provider, and students are responsible for paying childcare fees themselves. Students cannot receive both the OSAC Student Child Care Grant and Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) funding simultaneously. However, recent policy changes to ERDC have expanded eligibility, allowing students—regardless of employment status—who attend federally eligible institutions to receive additional childcare assistance. Questions regarding ERDC should be directed to childcare.policy@odhsoha.oregon.gov or by calling 1-800-699-9074. Contact information for the program includes the email PublicPrograms@hecc.oregon.gov and phone number (541) 687-7400, option 2. The program operates under the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, headquartered at 3225 25th Street SE, Salem, OR 97302.