National Head Start Association (NHSA)

Helen Hollingshed Taylor Memorial Scholarship

Head Start Staff, Higher Education

Scholarship winner will receive $2500 and a commemorative certificate.

Scholarship criteria:
1. You must be a current employee of Ravalli Head Start, Inc.s Head Start (Hamilton or
Stevensville) or Early Head Start program (Missoula EHS or Hamilton EHS), employed for
three or more years.
2. You must be a High School graduate and pursuing a bachelors or post-baccalaureate
graduate education. Please submit proof of acceptance or enrollment in an institution of
higher learning whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education.
These funds may be applied to the documented cost of tuition and/or books.
3. You must submit a cover page that includes: your name, address, phone number, email
address and the dates of employment.
4. You must submit two letters of reference. Attach a letter of reference from someone who
knows you as a student (school personnel preferred). Attach a letter of reference from
someone who knows you as a supervisor at the Head Start or Early Head Start program.
Judges will rate the overall effectiveness of the letters. Applications that do not include two
references will not be considered for this award. (20 points)
5. BIO - Please share key details about yourself and your employment history. (10 points)
6. You must submit responses for each of the following categories, in their entirety.
Maximum point value for each category is indicated in parentheses.
a.
What is your current educational level and what is your position in Head Start/Early
Head Start. (20 points)
b.
Special contributions: Describe unique activities you have led or fostered in your
local program. (20 points)
c.
Education & Professional goals: Please write a statement of educational and
professional goals no more than 200 words in length. (30 points)
Mail completed applications, postmarked on or before May 1, 2015, to:
Ravalli Head Start, Inc., ATTN: Scholarship Committee, 81 Kurtz Lane, Hamilton, MT 59840
Please keep all scholarship responses in a Word document. If you are selected to move on to
the next level, you will be contacted by May 15, 2015 and asked to submit the Word
document.
Please email any questions to scholarships@ravalliheadstart.org
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National Head Start Association (NHSA)

Helen Hollingshed Taylor Memorial Scholarship
Head Start Staff, Higher Education

Ravalli Head Start, Inc. will select one applicant to be submitted to NHSA.
April 1 - May 31: Ravalli Head Start, Inc. submits nomination to NHSA
June 1 - June 30: State Affiliates review and make recommendations to NHSA
July 1 - July 31: Regional Affiliates review and make recommendations to NHSA
August 1 - September 30: National panel of judges select winners
October: 2015 - 2016 Winners announced, scholarships funds are sent directly to the
winner's college in April 2016
April 2016: NHSA Scholarships and Awards Dinner and Ceremony at NHSA's Annual Head
Start Conference
NHSA general rules and regulations
All criteria for the scholarship must be met. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
An individual may not apply for more than one NHSA scholarship per year.
Individuals selected for scholarships must be able to provide a Social Security number and
other required information to redeem cash awards.
Applicant must be willing to allow NHSA to publicize their nomination through a variety of
media channels including annual publications and websites.
Scholarship winners are invited to attend the awards ceremony which will be held during
NHSA's 43rd Annual Head Start Conference in April 2016. NHSA is not responsible for
housing, transportation, or other expenses associated with attending the awards ceremony.
Programs or regions are responsible for all travel and accommodations.
Nominees, their program directors, and their regional presidents will be contacted primarily
by e-mail.
NHSA Scholarship and Award winners serve as models and ambassadors for the Head
Start Community. During their year, winners will be encouraged to share successful
strategies with others during NHSA conferences, institutes and gatherings.
NHSA board members, staff, and family members are ineligible.

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