National Head Start Association Launches Summer Campaign to Highlight Local Impact and Community Engagement

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Starting June 16, in celebration of 60 years, The National Head Start Association (NHSA) has launched “Project STAND FOR Head Start,” an eight-week national campaign decided to unify support, amplify local voices, raise the program’s visibility, and build lasting momentum to protect and strengthen Head Start. The campaign will run through August 8, 2025.

Project STAND FOR Head Start draws inspiration from the original Project Head Start, a 1965 eight-week summer initiative created to give children a strong, healthy foundation before entering school. Just as staff in those early days went door to door to build community support and recruit new families, today’s Head Start leaders are following in their footsteps to ensure a bright future for the next generation of children and families.

“For 60 years, Head Start has opened doors to endless opportunities for children and families,” said Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Association. “Project STAND FOR Head Start is both a celebration and a time for communities across the country to come together to ensure the great work continues for generations to come.” 

Each week, from June 16 to August 8, the campaign will spotlight a simple, powerful action showcasing the importance of the program and why Americans should stand with Head Start. For decades, Head Start has served as the launchpad for future leaders and strong communities – preparing children to succeed in school and life, empowering families with affordable child care, and catalyzing growth in rural, urban, and suburban communities throughout the nation. This new initiative moves to entrench that support for decades to come.

To learn more about the campaign, visit nhsa.org/project-stand-for-head-start/