2012- 2013 Awards and Scholarships Nominations 

The National Head Start Association’s Scholarship & Awards Program is open to individual, program and affiliate members of NHSA in good standing. Each scholarship and award provides additional criteria to guide nominations. In many states and regions, NHSA Affiliate’s may build upon this program with additional scholarship and awards unique to their area. Nominees should review all appropriate guidelines and consult NHSA staff with any questions to ensure successful application. 

For more information, contact jadams@nhsa.org or 703-299-7517.

Quick-guide to applying for scholarships and awards:
-  Individual Grantees must review original applications prior to submission to the NHSA.  Please follow the processes put in place by your particular grantee/program, or submit your completed application to your program before sending it to NHSA. 
-  Individuals may only be nominated for one award per year.  Only one person or program may be nominated in each category. 
-  All scholarships must be entered into NHSA by May 31, 2012. 

For a complete list of guidelines please click here.

Important 2012-2013 Award & Scholarships Deadlines:

• May 31, 2012 - Local NHSA Member Programs Nomination Deadline
• June 30, 2012 - State NHSA Affiliate Associations Recommendation Deadline
• July 31, 2012 - Regional NHSA Affiliate Associations/National Migrant & Tribal Associations Recommendation Deadline
• September 15, 2012 - National Head Start Association Recommendation Deadline
• October 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013 - Local, State & Regional Celebrations
• April 2013 – National Awards Event

What Awards and Scholarships are available?

For 2012-2013 NHSA welcomes nominations from member programs in the following categories:

Administrator of the Year Award - Head Start Program Director

This award celebrates local program leaders providing direction to grantee or delegate, Head Start, Early Head Start, Tribal or Migrant Head Start Programs. Award winner will receive $500, 2012 conference pass and a commemorative plaque. Click here for application details.

Support Staff of the Year Award

This award celebrates the important contribution of staff who work in administration, facilities, food service, transportation, health, and social services. Award winner will receive $500, 2012 conference pass and a commemorative plaque. Click here for application details.

Teacher of the Year Award 

This award celebrates ALL those who are involved in the education component of our program, including classroom teachers, associate teachers, home visitors, and instructional mentors. Award winner will receive $500, 2012 conference pass and a commemorative plaque. Click here for application details.

Head Start Parent of the Year

This award celebrates our most important partner, parents. Individuals nominated must have a child enrolled in the current year and have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. Award winner will receive $500, a 2012 conference pass and a commemorative plaque. The first runner-up will receive $200 and a commemorative plaque. The second runner-up will receive $100 and a commemorative plaque. Click here for application details.

Beating the Odds Parent Award

This award celebrates the achievement of an individual who has overcome significant adversity in their role as parent and provider. Award winner will receive $500, 2012 conference pass, and a commemorative plaque. The first runner-up will receive $200 and a commemorative plaque. The second runner-up will receive $100 and a commemorative plaque. Click here for application details.

Edward Zigler Innovation Award

This Award reflects the innovation and determination of the person many consider to be the Father of Head Start. Since Head Start's inception in 1965, Dr. Zigler has played a central role in the ongoing development of our program design. This award is to celebrate those local programs who have partnered to create high impact services to children and families. Click here for application details.

Sargent Shriver Excellence in Community Service Award

This award celebrates an individual's or organization's significant achievement through community service to Head Start and Early Head Start. The nominee for this award should have excelled in addressing issues of poverty, early education or community health. Click here for application details.

Helen Hollingshed Taylor Memorial Scholarships

These three scholarships target individuals who reflect the values of hard work, educational determination and leadership. Each scholarship includes an award of $2500

Head Start Alumni, High School Senior

Nominees may be a junior in High School, advancing to their senior year of High School. Scholarship winner will receive $2500 and a commemorative plaque. Click here for application details.

Head Start Parent, Post Secondary Education

Nominees must be attending an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education. Scholarship winner will receive $2500 and a commemorative plaque. Click here for application details.

Head Start Staff, Higher Education

Nominees must be attending an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education. Scholarship winner will receive $2500 and a commemorative plaque. Click here for application details.

Click Here to Apply!!

SDHSA Scholarships and Awards

The Scholarships and Awards distributed by the South Dakota Head Start Association (SDHSA) are managed under the same rules, regulations and deadlines of the National Head Start Association.  The SDHSA Scholarships and Awards Committee is formed at the first SDHSA board meeting of the year and selects local winners who have demonstrated dedication and service to Head Start in South Dakota.  State winners are forwarded to the regional association for consideration.