The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through Office of Head Start (OHS), is announcing the return of the National Head Start Fellowship Program. The highly competitive leadership opportunity for local Head Start program staff and the early childhood sector provides a unique opportunity to gain first-hand national policy and programmatic experience by working in ACF’s Washington, DC office for one year.

“My selection as a Head Start Fellow placed me on a 22-year trajectory of rich and exciting experiences in the Head Start field,” said Khari Garvin, OHS director and 1999-2000 National Head Start fellow. “I have had the privilege of serving at national, state, and local levels designing and leading systems serving children and families in low-income communities. And I owe it all, truly, to the Head Start Fellowship experience.”

ACF conducted a competitive award process and selected School Readiness Consulting (SRC) to implement the National Head Start Fellowship Program for the next five years. The National Head Start Fellowship Program builds on HHS’ broader efforts to support the early childhood workforce. Fellows will benefit from robust leadership development, mentoring, and networking opportunities with national early childhood organizations and leaders, while making significant contributions to the federal government. Through the partnership with SRC, the program will provide an important professional development opportunity to early childhood leaders.

Last Updated: May 30, 2023