The Academy at NHSA Honored with 2024 Training APEX Award for Excellence in Training Programs

Washington, D.C.— NHSA is proud to announce that the Academy, NHSA’s professional development hub, was named as the recipient of the 2024 Training APEX Award. This esteemed award, presented by Training Magazine, highlights The Academy’s innovative approach and exceptional contribution to training methodologies which directly benefit the Head Start community and its vital mission of supporting the 360 degree development of eligible children and families across the US.

The Academy was specifically acknowledged for its transformative impact on individuals and organizations within the Head Start field. This recognition underscores The Academy’s commitment to elevating standards and reshaping the training landscape, ultimately amplifying the efficacy and quality of Head Start educational practices.

“Within a mere two years, the Academy has successfully built and implemented an online learning system benefiting hundreds of thousands of Early/Head Start staff nationwide that we are immensely proud of. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly with our nation’s most vulnerable children and families every day. It’s crucial to equip Head Start staff members with the necessary training for the success of these children, their families, and the future of our nation,” said Dr. Deborah Bergeron, Deputy Director of Community Engagement and Innovation.

This award not only celebrates NHSA’s dedication to pioneering educational excellence but also reinforces NHSA’s commitment to serving the Head Start field. The Academyremains steadfast in its mission to provide innovative, impactful training methodologies that directly benefit the Head Start educators, children, and families we serve.

For more information about The Academy at NHSA and its award-winning program, specifically tailored to enhance Head Start education, please visit nhsa.org/the-academy/.

About NHSA

The National Head Start Association is a not-for-profit organization committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in school and in life. The opportunities offered by Head Start lead to healthier, empowered children and families, and stronger, more vibrant communities. NHSA is the voice for more than 800,000 children, 250,000 staff and 1,600 Head Start and Early Head Start grantees in the United States. ••• Media Contact: media@nhsa.org

In Recent News

Ongoing Issues Accessing Federal Grant Funds Continue to Impact Head Start Programs

Washington, D.C.–Ten days after the temporary federal payment freeze, dozens of Head Start programs are continuing to face challenges drawing down approved grant funds. Though the cause of the problem is unclear, this has a significant impact on Head Start which relies on steady, predictable access to operating funds in order to keep its doors…

Read More

Nearly 20,000 Children and Families Impacted by Delay in Accessing Federal Funds

Washington, D.C.–Over the last week, a growing number of Head Start grant recipients have reported significant delays in accessing approved grant funding. While most recipients have not had major disruptions, a large number of recipients still continue to receive ‘pending’ or ‘in process’ messages when they request to draw down funds from their grant. As…

Read More

Federal Grant Freeze Puts Head Start Children and Families at Risk Nationwide

Update as of 4:00 p.m. ET, January 28, 2025 – Following the release of additional guidance and clarification from the Office of Budget Management, Head Start agencies are not included in the list of federal grants and loans whose funds are frozen. Agencies have been able to access funds through the Payment Management System (PMS). Washington, D.C.—Last…

Read More