“Positive Opportunities for Parents”
(POPS) Scholarship

Application for the 2024 WHSA Parent Affiliate Scholarships
The WHSA Parent Scholarship is an annual scholarship made available from funds raised throughout the year by the WHSA Affiliate members and provided by the WHSA office.

Who is Eligible?

• Any current Early Head Start or Head Start parent or guardian (a person legally responsible for a child) who is enrolled in or planning on attending an accredited education institution or job training center. Proof of enrollment is required to receive a scholarship.
• Applicants may not be previous POP Scholarship (or any WHSA Scholarship) recipient.
• Current HS/EHS staff are not eligible for a POP Scholarship. If you are a current staff member we encourage you to apply for one of the WHSA Staff Scholarships.

Letters of Recommendation

• Two letters of recommendation are required to apply for this scholarship.
  • One letter/email of recommendation must be from a Head Start staff member or program Executive Director.
  • The other letter/email of recommendation may be from a person of your choice and include the person’s signature and contact information.
• Recommendation for WHSA scholarship applicants should address the following areas:
  • Personal or professional achievements of the applicant
  • The applicants educational and career goals
  • Head Start and community involvement
  • Financial need of the applicant
  • Any special needs or circumstances

Amount of scholarship

The scholarship award is $750. The award can be used for course fees, books, childcare, and/or transportation. This year two scholarships will be awarded.

Selection of Award Recipients

The Wisconsin Head Start (WHSA) Affiliate groups will determine the eligibility of each applicant and select a candidate to receive the scholarship. Committee members who are related to an applicant, or have a “relationship of significance” with an applicant, will exclude themselves from the review/selection process.

Selection Criteria

Criteria used for selection includes the applicants’ personal and professional achievements, Head Start and community involvement, need (financial, extenuating circumstances, etc.), and educational and career goals.

How do I apply?

Scroll down for the online application.

Applications are available online at www.whsaonline.org. Applications must include include (or have sent/emailed separately) a letter of support from a Head Start/Early Head Start Program Director’s to be considered complete either as part of or in addition to the two necessary letters of recommendation. Notice of permission/support must be emailed to WHSA at whsaassist@whsaonline.org by May 24, 2024 by the stated director. All completed applications must be submitted no later than Friday, May 24, 2024.

Scholarship Application: