WHSA Staff Affiliate Scholarship

The WHSA Staff Scholarship is an annual scholarship made available from funds raised throughout the year by the WHSA Affiliate members and provided by the WHSA office. The Affiliates would also like to give special recognition to Lakeshore Learning Materials for their generous donation during the WHSA Annual Conference. Their generosity and support of this scholarship fund-raising raffle continues to help make this scholarship possible.

Who is Eligible?

• Any current Head Start employee 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 WHSA Scholarship recipient.
• Staff member must have been employed by Head Start for at least one year from date of his/ her hire.

Letters of Recommendation

• Two letters of recommendation are required to apply for this scholarship.
  • One letter/email of recommendation should be from your current supervisor or program Executive Director.
  • The other letter/email of recommendation may be from a colleague of your choice – i.e. professor, mentor, or Head Start staff member.
• 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?

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: