The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) Scholarship and Pay Incentive program invests in early childhood professionals and their careers. The scholarship opportunities make it possible for early childhood educators to afford coursework leading to advanced credentials and degrees. The various pay incentive programs offer financial support to eligible early childhood professionals working with children from birth to age five.

The program is administered by CNM Ingenuity. CNM Ingenuity is part of Central New Mexico Community College. The mission of CNM Ingenuity is to forge links between educational institutions, businesses, industries, and government to promote the public welfare and the prosperity of individuals and to foster economic development within both the private and public sectors.