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 for 2023 - 24 are now closed. Applications for 2024 - 25 will open fall 2024.

Past Edward Zigler Innovation Award Recipients

2022-23: Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners Head Start, Miami, FL

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