• November 1 – Applications open. 
• January 31 – Nominations are due.
• February – NHSA notifies awardees.
• April/May – National Head Start Conference Scholarship and Awards Ceremony (must attend in person)

NHSA Scholarship and Award recipients serve as models and ambassadors for the Head Start community. Recipients will be encouraged to share successful strategies with others during NHSA conferences, institutes, and gatherings.

• Applications are nominated from the Regional Associations, the National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association, or the National Indian Head Start Directors Association, for your respective grant. You only need support from one of your affiliated regional or national associations.
• Your nomination must include a nomination letter from your nominating association. The letter shall state your nomination, the award you are applying for, and their support of your nomination. The nomination letter must be on their letterhead.
• Applicants must be associated with a program that is a current member of NHSA. For Sargent Shriver Excellence in Community Service Award and the Edward Zigler Innovation Award, a grant recipient and a community partner are required.
• An individual may not be nominated for more than one scholarship or award per year. Local member programs may not nominate more than one person or program.
• Applications must be submitted online. Incomplete applications will not be considered; nominees will be contacted primarily via email.
• Individuals selected for an award or scholarship must be able to provide required information to redeem cash awards.
• Applicants allow NHSA to publicize their nomination.
• NHSA board members, staff, and family members are ineligible.