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Awards & Scholarships (2023-2024)


The association is proud to provide a variety of opportunities to recognize and thank the individuals who strengthen the Head Start and/or Early Head Start community. The Illinois Head Start Association annual awards process is central to this effort.


Any individual interested in nominating or self-nominating is to submit the following items listed below. This information will be reviewed by the Annual Awards Committee as part of the candidate’s application packet. Following the review of applications, if selected, applicants will receive an email requesting letter(s) of support. Applicant must submit the following to be considered for the award:


Nominating A Colleague for an Award

Submit the following:

  • A complete award application
  • The nominee's resume or CV
  • One-page (maximum) letter of support that highlights the nominees
    • Demonstrated Service - Describe how and what the nominee efforts relate to the award for which they are being nominated.
    • Contributions to the HS/EHS community - Describe what and how their contributions impact the award for which they are being nominated.
    • Highlight what makes them unique and exceptional. How did they go above and beyond in relation to the award for which they are being nominated.

Online Application: CLOSED

Apply for an Award

Submit the following:

  • A complete award application
  • Resume or CV
  • One-page (maximum) narrative cover letter that highlights
    • Demonstrated Service - Describe how and what efforts you made in relation to the award for which they are being nominated. What did you do? How did you do it?
    • Contributions to the HS/EHS community -Describe what and how your contributions impact the award for which you are being nominated.
    • Highlight what makes you unique and exceptional. How did you go above and beyond in relation to the award for which you are being nominated.

Online Application: CLOSED


We strongly recommend applicants type their responses in a separate document and save them in a safe, accessible location in the event that any entries are interrupted by an unlikely system timeout or website error that could cause loss of data. Only completed applications will be considered. Completed applications include answers to all fields.

DECISION PROCESS


Upon successful submission of your Award or Scholarship Application, a committee will review each application and narrow the number of selected applications.

When a select number of applications are decided, the selected applicants will be notified to submit further documentation. Chosen applicants will be asked to submit letters of support 3 weeks before IHSA Annual Award Luncheon.

After careful deliberation of additional documentation, the Award and Scholarship committee will select the appropriate winners of the scholarships and awards from the cumulative score garnered from the applications and letters of support. Winners will be recognized at the Annual IHSA Awards Luncheon. Attendance is highly encouraged, however, Scholarship and Award recipients are not required to be present to receive an award.


RUBRIC OR SCORING FORMS - AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING BELOW WITHIN EACH RESPECTIVE AWARD. THIS DOCUMENTS WILL GIVE MEMBERS INSIGHT ON HOW THEY WILL BE EVALUATED

HEAD START DIRECTOR AGREEMENT LETTER - (REQUIRED)


AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIP ONLINE APPLICATIONS

[Click on each image to complete an online application]



Members can nominate individuals for the following awards:Anchor