Adequately responding to the educational needs of low-income women working in the early childhood industry has, for many higher education institutions and state early childhood systems, been a challenge because the demand (ability to pay for the education); the economic viability of the degree (ability to earn a living wage upon graduation); and the infrastructure and supports needed by this non-traditional student population have been absent. But the reality is that many in our workforce want to go to college and, in some cases, need to go to college due to licensing, program, and/or quality rating and improvement system requirements in their states. This workshop will feature early childhood educators who, despite individual, system, and institution barriers, made the decision to attend college and with the help of a variety of supports were able to fulfill this commitment they made to themselves. They, along with a moderator, will discuss what it takes to support them in not only starting on, but also staying on their degree completion track. Data on the status of the workforce as well as barriers faced and support mechanisms accessed will be discussed and highlighted.