Edward Zigler Innovation Award

Since Head Start's inception in 1965, Dr. Edward Zigler played a central role.

This award honors Dr. Ziglers memory by celebrating local programs who have partnered to create high impact services for children and families. This award requires a joint application from both the Head Start grant recipient and the community partner.

The nominee must:

  • Be a Head Start or Early Head Start grant recipient and include a community partner in the application. The partnership will demonstrate innovation in program design and/or service delivery.
  • Provide two letters of reference from two organizational leaders who know the impact of the partnership first hand (Note: These two letters must come from leaders outside both the program and the community partner.)
  • Submit a supporting statement to address the following:
    • A description of the primary and partner agency involved in the delivery of services, including demographic information, and history in the local community
    • A brief description of the specific innovation, the approach, and names of all partners
    • A brief description of the outcomes or impact of the effort on vulnerable children and families that are unique and/or go beyond Head Start's performance standards
  • Comply with all NHSA general rules and regulations as listed on the Scholarships & Awards homepage.

Application

Award Nominator






Regional Contact







Aubrey Pucket Award












Ron Herdon Award














Vanessa Rich Award












Ed Zigler Award


Program Details










Community Partner Details









Sargent Shriver Award


Program Details










Community Partner Details









Aubrey Pucket Supporting Documents
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Vanessa Rich Supporting Documents
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Ron Herndon Supporting Documents
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Zigler Supporting Documents
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Sargent Shriver Supporting Documents
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Past Edward Zigler Innovation Award Recipients

2021-22: Community Action Partnership, Decatur, AL

2020-21: Community Partnership for Child Development, Colorado Springs, CO

2019-20: Orange County Head Start, Orange County, CA

2018-19: Pocono Services for Families and Children, Tobyhanna, PA

2017-18: Skagit/Islands Head Start & ECEAP, Mount Vernon, WA

2016-17: North Idaho College Head Start, Coeur d'Alene, ID