Recognition and appreciation are fundamental human needs. People want to be respected and valued for their work or accomplishment.  By honoring Head Start and Early Head Start employees, parents, alumni, volunteers and partners, we not only confirm the value of their work or the impact of their success but also motivate them to reach new heights.  By honoring Head Start and Early Head Start employees, parents, alumni, volunteers and partners, we not only confirm the value of their work or the impact of their success but also motivate them to reach new heights.  The Region IV Head Start Association’s (RIVHSA) awards/scholarships program is a powerful vehicle for elevating excellence, engaging the community, and celebrating milestones.  RIVHSA is proud to announce the release of its 2027-2030 Awards and Scholarships Application Booklet.  There have been updates throughout the booklet this year – so It is especially important to use the current application pages when you submit to RIVHSA to ensure your packets are complete.  Nominations submitted to RIVHSA on old forms will not be accepted.

A copy has been attached and can also be found at: https://rivhsa.org/partnerships-initiatives/awards-scholarships/

OPPORTUNITIES

In Region IV, our grantee members have a total of 19 award and scholarship categories open for nominations.  The National Head Start Association (NHSA) has 5 national categories which are also observed at the regional level by RIVHSA.  In addition, RIVHSA offers 14 special categories exclusively for our regional grantees that are not recognized at the national level.  Grantees and state affiliates must submit nominations as specified by each entity to be considered.

WHAT’S NEW FOR THE 2027 CYCLE

  1. National category application pages have been updated to align with NHSA’s requirements for these 6 national categories.
  2. Regional category application pages have been updated to collect the important data we need at time of application from nominees and nominating grantees to expedite internal functions that yield greater returns for all parties.

THE PROCESS

All 2027 applications must reflect services contributed during the current program/school year as of June 2026.  RIVHSA’s application process has distinct phases.  Unlike other regions, RIVHSA’s application process allows recipients to compete and be recognized at all phases of the process – local, state, regional, and national!  At the conclusion of each phase, the most competitive applicants continue to the next level.  The filing process is as follows:

  1. Local grantee submits to state affiliate.  Affiliates must establish their nomination and selection process in accordance with RIVHSA timelines and guidelines which supports both the selection of state recipients and timely submission to RIVHSA for regional consideration.

  2. State affiliate selects state recipients and forwards to regional affiliate;
  3. RIVHSA selects regional recipients and forwards winners in national categories to NHSA; and
  4. NHSA selects national recipients. 

NEXT STEPS 

State leaders are asked to forward the current Awards and Scholarships Application Booklet to your state chairperson for awards/scholarships.  Be sure to send your own grantee alerts providing the submission deadline and brochure.  This is a great opportunity for regional grantees to celebrate their MVPPs (Most Valuable People and Partners).  The sooner you share this information, the more time grantees and your organization will have to complete, process, and submit by the deadline.  Don’t Delay, Share today!

SUBMISSION

  • Affiliates must forward their state nominees by postal mail only to RIVHSA by July 15 for the selection of regional recipients (See booklet for complete details).

  • Include a completed State Confirmation Form. RIVHSA will not accept nominations without a completed form.
  • Submit 4 print sets of each nomination: 1 original and 3 complete copies. DO NOT STAPLE documents; Use paper clips/binder clips to separate the 4 sets. Documents may be bound by paper or binder clips.
  • Send by postal mail only – we do not accept courier deliveries (i.e. UPD, FedEx).  Mail early to:  RIVHSA, ATTN: Awards/Scholarships, Post Office Box 1049 – Snellville, GA 30078

Be sure to reference our attached Awards and Scholarships Application Booklet which answers most FAQs from grantees and affiliates.

Please contact us with any questions at awards@rivhsa.org.
Region IV Head Start Association
Post Office Box 1049 – Snellville, Georgia 30078