Representative Zach Nunn Honored With NHSA PROMISE Award for Championing Early Childhood Education

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is pleased to present the NHSA PROMISE (Protecting Our Most Important Students Early) Award to U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA) in recognition of his steadfast commitment to early childhood learning — through his support for Head Start and his leadership as co-sponsor of the Early Childhood Workforce Advancement Act.

Congressman Nunn represents Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District. He has dedicated his career to serving his community, both in public office and through nearly two decades of military service as an Air Force officer and airborne intelligence officer. Throughout his time in Congress and the Iowa legislature, Rep. Nunn has consistently prioritized the needs of children and families. He has supported funding for Head Start and prioritized the development of the early childhood workforce. Notably, he co-sponsored the Early Childhood Workforce Advancement Act, a forward-looking bill to strengthen career pathways and support for early childhood educators, ensuring that children nationwide benefit from a skilled and supported workforce.

“I’m honored to receive the NHSA PROMISE Award,” said Rep. Nunn. “As a dad of six, I know how critical early education investment is to setting every child up for success. Head Start changes lives, and I’m honored to partner with them and cosponsor the Early Childhood Workforce Advancement Act to invest in the people who invest in the next generation.”

“Congressman Nunn has demonstrated exceptional dedication to children, families, and educators,” said Yasmina Vinci, executive director for the National Head Start Association. “From his service in Iowa to his work in Congress, he understands the real-world impact of investing in early learning. We are proud to recognize him with the PROMISE Award for his commitment to Head Start and the future of early childhood education.”

 

About the NHSA PROMISE Award:
The NHSA PROMISE Award (Protecting Our Most Important Students Early) is given annually by NHSA to members of Congress who demonstrate strong and consistent support for Head Start and its mission to serve children and families nationwide. Recipients are honored for their advocacy and commitment to securing resources, funding, and supportive regulations for the Head Start program and the families it serves.

About NHSA

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to realizing the promise of Head Start; that all children have a chance to succeed in school and in life. NHSA is the voice for nearly 750,000 children served by more than 250,000 staff every single day in rural, urban, and suburban communities in all 50 states. In 2025, we celebrate 60 years of service to 40 million children, their families, and communities across the country. ••• Media Contact: Lauren Lawson-Zilai; Senior Director, Communications; media@nhsa.org

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