POLICY AND PROCEDURE

REGION X HEAD START ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process for Region X Head Start scholarship begins at the local level. Each application must include the address and telephone number of the program and the nominee. Following is the outline of basic criteria and procedures for submitting an application.

CRITERIA FOR REGION X SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
  1. The President of the Region X HSA is to make sure all programs and Region X HSA members receive scholarship application information each spring.
  2. Each Head Start Association shall provide the Region X HSA with information regarding local/state scholarship application timelines.
  3. Local/State Head Start programs have the responsibility to solicit applications in their area. Suggested sites include colleges, universities, vocation education programs and high schools.
  4. All applications are to originate with the local Head Start programs. Applications sent directly to Region X HSA will not be considered, although every effort will be made by the Region X HSA Communications Committee to refer any applications received to the appropriate Head Start program.
  5. All applicants are to return their applications directly to the State Head Start Association in their area for review and prioritization.
  6. State Head Start Associations are to submit all eligible applications to the Region X HSA at the annual August meeting for consideration for the state awards.
  7. State Head Start Associations must have one application designated by a letter of confirmation for Region X HSA consideration for the state awards.
  8. The state winner is not a guaranteed applicant to go on to the Regional and National competition.
  9. The national criteria scoring process will be used. Refer to the national application packet distributed annually.
  10. The application must be typed and have all letters attached prior to submission to the Region X HSA. State Head Start Associations are not to submit an application that is not complete or does not meet all of the required national guidelines.
  11. The name of the college or school for which the applicant wishes to attend must be included in the application.
  12. Late applications will not be considered, although they may be returned to the applicant with a memo encouraging them to reapply the following year.

PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATION AND AWARDS
  1. All applicants to be considered for Parent of the Year must be postmarked by August 1st and sent to the NWREL.
  2. All applications for all scholarships and awards must be postmarked by November 1st and sent to NWREL
  3. Each Head Start Grantee is responsible for submitting an original and three (3) copies of each application.
  4. The Region X HSA Scholarship Committee will prioritize and select the Regional competitors.
  5. For Parent Scholarships, the name of the successful Regional Scholarship winner(s) will appear on the award check plus the name of the school they will be attending. (If the award is to a high school student, the check will be held until Region X HSA is notified of their enrollment in a post secondary program.)
  6. The Region X HSA Scholarship Committee will send a letter to the successful scholarship winners and those forwarded to National office. Winners will be recognized and receive the scholarships at the Region X HS Conference in February.
  7. A letter will also be sent to those not selected with a note for them to consider reapplying the next year.

Scholarship / Award Selection Timeline

May 1

 Reminder letter out from RX HSA to all State Associations regarding Parent-of-the-Year application deadline.

Late May / early June

 Scholarship booklets mailed from NHSA directly to local programs.

August 1

 Parent-of-the-Year applications due from State Associations to RX HSA (must be postmarked by August 1).

August 7

 Reminder letter out from RS HSA to all State Associations regarding other scholarships and awards application deadline.

September

 RX HSA notifies Parent-of-the-Year applicants of results.

September

 RX HSA notifies grantee of selected Parent-of-the-Year of travel dollars available.

November 1

 All other scholarship and awards applications due from State Associations to RX HSA (must be postmarked by November 1st.)

December 1

 RX HSA notifies all applicants.

December 15

 ALL RX HSA winning applications are forwarded to NHSA.

March

 Regional conference - Regional winners are presented with award / scholarship.