The Academy at NHSA Receives 2025 Training APEX Award for Excellence in Training Programs

Washington, D.C.— The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is proud to announce that The Academy, NHSA’s professional development hub, was named a recipient of the 2025 Training APEX Award. This prestigious award, presented by Training Magazine, highlights The Academy’s innovative approach and exceptional contribution to training methodologies designed to help address critical workforce challenges in Head Start, particularly during a time of widespread shortages in teachers and administrators across the education sector.

The Training APEX Awards recognize organizations with the most successful and effective employee training and development programs worldwide. The Academy was specifically acknowledged for its dynamic approach to workforce development, combining evidence-based strategies with innovative methodologies. By delivering high-quality, accessible training opportunities, The Academy directly supports the recruitment, retention, and professional growth of Head Start educators and administrators—key to addressing the national workforce crisis in education.

“The Academy is a lifeline for our Head Start educators, ensuring they have access to top-notch professional development during a time when the education sector faces immense staffing pressures,” said Dr. Deborah Bergeron, NHSA’s deputy director of community engagement and innovation. “An award like this affirms the hard work that goes into creating engaging and accessible training. We are so proud of The Academy team’s and the Head Start community’s staff and leadership’s commitment to excellence.”

The APEX Award adds NHSA to a distinguished group of past winners, including organizations such as IBM, Verizon, and Dollar General, all recognized for their leadership in talent development. This award not only celebrates NHSA’s dedication to pioneering educational excellence but also reinforces NHSA’s commitment to serving the Head Start workforce. 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/.