Aspen Institute Names NHSA to National Network to Disrupt Poverty

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) was named a member of the Aspen Institute Ascend Network, a new network of leading organizations using two-generation approaches to disrupt poverty and create economic mobility for families.

As the leader in the delivery of quality early childhood education, Head Start tackles the complex and unique needs of our nation’s poorest children and builds two-generational foundations that place entire families on a path toward self-sufficiency. From parenting tools, to nutritious meals, to medical screenings, Head Start looks at a whole family’s needs and provides opportunities for children and their parents together.

“Head Start has been a leader around two-generation approaches for six decades,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “We’re thrilled to join our Head Start colleagues in the Aspen Institute Ascend Network and are committed to continuing a legacy of opportunity that passes from one generation to the next.”

In the United States today, nearly 45% of all children live in low-income families.  Almost 25% of today’s college students are parents. Yet our education and human services systems have not kept up with the needs of 21st century families.

“These leaders are fueling change for America’s families,” said Walter Isaacson, president and CEO of the Aspen Institute. “As we reflect on the 50th anniversary of the ‘War on Poverty,’ the Aspen Institute is proud to invest in transformational ideas to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.”