About Virginia Head Start

Elmore Scholarships

The VaHSA Elmore Scholarships application window is now open. Submit your applications by May 17, 2013.

The Nancy Elmore Scholarship Fund was established by the Virginia Head Start Association’s Board of Directors in June 2010 to honor the work for Region III Regional Program Manager Nancy Elmore upon her retirement.

The purpose of the scholarships is to assist a current Head Start staff and a current Head Start parent in pursuing college education.

Make a Donation to the Scholarship Fund

Help further the educational opportunities of our members.

News

First year recipient receives degree
Brandy Ferguson, first recipient of the Nancy Elmore Scholarship Award, is shown receiving her AA degree in Mya 2013. Brandy came into Head Start as a parent and is now a teacher’s assistant at the STEP, Inc. Congratulations, Brandy!

See all past winners of the Elmore Scholarships.

2013 scholarship guidelines

Who is eligible?

All Head Start staff, except directors.  All parents who had children enrolled during the current school year. Only applicants who are part of programs who are members of the Association may apply.

What is the amount of the award?

The association will award two scholarships of $500 each, one to a parent, one to a staff person. Awardees must be enrolled in an institute of higher education; the award will be sent to the institution to be deposited in the account of the awardee.

When will the awards be announced?

A scholarship committee, made up of three Board members will review applications and recommend one person in each category. The Board will approve or disapprove the recommendation(s). Winners will be announced at a joint meeting of the Board and Directors Council, on the website, to Program Directors, to scholarship winners, and to local media.

What is the application process?

Applicants must be nominated by their program. Staff applicants must be nominated by the program director; parent applicants by the Policy Council. Applicants must complete and submit the information listed below and supplemental reference letters. Submit all documents to vahsa@shentel.net by May 17, 2013.

Questions?

Contact Maxine McKinney at vahsa@shentel.net

Parent Applicant Checklist

Applicant must provide:

1. Name and contact information of applicant
2. Name of college applicant is attending
3. Special Contributions. A description in 300 words or less (no more than one typewritten, double-spaced page) of services contributed by the parent, accomplishments of the parent, and/or activities related to the continuous personal and career development of the parent. The description should include any Head Start positions held by the parent. This may be written by the applicant or a staff member of the program.
4. Personal goals. A statement of personal goals (no more than 200 words); must be written by applicant.
5. Letters of Reference. Three letters of reference should be included from individuals who can verify the nominee’s work, volunteer service, and/or career activities.

Staff Applicant Checklist

Application must include:

1. Name of Applicant and complete contact information
2. Name of Head Start program
3. Name of college attending
4. Length of Service in the program.  Year he or she began, positions held, and any other related information.
5. Training, Qualifications, and Credentials. Describe the level at which he or she began, training acquired that is appropriate to his or her position, credentials earned, and any other related information.
6. Mobilization of Resources and Collaboration.  List of activities or projects in which he or she is (or has been) involved that demonstrate his or her ability to mobilize necessary resources to provide and enhance services to children and their families.  The size of his or her program should be included.
7. Quality and Provision of Services.  Description of activities in his or her Head Start program or community that are unique and meet or surpass the Program Performance Standards.
8. Special Contributions.  Description in 500 words or less of any special contributions he or she has made to the program that have had a positive impact on services to the total program.  This description should be very specific.
9. Letters of Reference.  Three letters of reference from people who know the nominee in the following capacity:  a) director; b) supervisor or other professional; c) personal.