National Head Start Alumni Impact Awards
Admin
January 28, 2026
/
5 mins read
About the National Head Start Alumni Impact Awards
The Alumni Impact Awards recognize alumni for their contributions in leadership and community engagement. There are two award categories:
- The Alumni Impact Certificate of Recognition is given to Head Start alumni whose accomplishments, affiliations, and professional careers have positively impacted the local, national, or global community and honor the Head Start mission.
- The Crystal Award for Transformational Leadership is for Head Start alumni who demonstrate visionary leadership and community contributions that aim to create transformational change.
Nomination Process
- This year, we invite Head Start grantees in the Twin Cities region to submit nominations for consideration.
- The nominations will be reviewed by an internal team at NHSA, and final honorees will be selected and notified in April.
Award Luncheon
- Honorees and their families and friends will be invited to the award luncheon that takes place during NHSA's National Conference. During the luncheon, honoree bios are shared, and they receive their award.
- An alumni keynote speaker will deliver remarks during the luncheon.
- The luncheon is a ticketed event, and honoree tickets are complimentary (this only applies to the honorees).
- This year, the luncheon will take place on Wednesday, May 6th.
Social Media
- NHSA will share photos and congratulatory posts featuring the honorees on its social media channels.
Your Support
- Please distribute this nomination form to programs in the Twin Cities region, along with the above summary of the program. The deadline for nominations is April 1.
- Please share any suggestions for a keynote speaker for the luncheon. This should be a Minnesota Head Start alumnus/na with an inspiring personal story and engaging public speaking skills. This is an unpaid speaking opportunity.
- Regarding press, NHSA's team drafts and distributes a press release, but would appreciate your sharing any local press contacts for media invitations.