From HSFIS to GoEngage: The Journey of Innovation in Head Start
The GoEngage Journey: Driven by Purpose, Built for Impact
At GoEngage, we believe that technology has the power to transform communities, especially when it’s designed with purpose. Our journey began with a simple but powerful mission: to empower Head Start and Community Action Programs (CAP) with intuitive, affordable solutions that amplify their impact. Over the years, we've been committed to helping these organizations streamline their operations, improve their services, and ultimately, create lasting change for children and families across the country.
The Heart of Our Story: Lihong Ma’s Journey
Our story starts with Lihong Ma, a visionary who, despite facing poverty and adversity as a child in rural China, dreamed of a better life for his family and community. Born into a world of limited opportunities—his parents having only a 3rd-grade education, struggling to make ends meet—Lihong became determined to break free from the cycle of poverty. His journey wasn’t easy, but it was driven by a belief that education could change everything.
After earning a spot at Peking University, the Harvard of the East, Lihong’s passion for education took him to the United States, where he earned a Master’s degree at George Washington University. His story is one of resilience and perseverance—a testament to the power of education and hard work to overcome even the toughest obstacles.
In his own words, Lihong shared, “I wish I had access to a program like Head Start when I was a child. It would have made a world of difference.”
1996: From Vision to Reality — The Beginning of Cleverex
Lihong had been working with Ellsworth Associates Inc. (EAI) and Naing International Enterprise (NIE) on the Head Start Family Information System (HSFIS) project, a major initiative to help Head Start programs track and manage child and family data electronically. This system was a breakthrough at the time, replacing outdated paper-based processes and helping Head Start programs meet federal requirements more efficiently.
However, when the prime contractor NIE decided to discontinue the HSFIS contract, the Office of Head Start—having developed a deep trust in Lihong’s work—asked him to continue managing and improving the system. This was a crucial moment, and rather than see this important work come to an end, Lihong and his wife, Wendy, made the decision to launch their own company, Cleverex. The goal was clear: to provide Head Start programs with affordable, accessible, and intuitive software solutions that would empower these organizations to serve families better and more efficiently.
Thus, Cleverex was born, and with it, the continued development of HSFIS and other solutions that would go on to make a lasting impact on the Head Start community. This was just the beginning of Lihong’s lifelong commitment to helping Head Start and CAP programs thrive.
With the knowledge and experience he gained in technology and education, Lihong embarked on a new chapter of his journey. In 1997, after his work on the Head Start Family Information System (HSFIS) project, Lihong realized that the existing tools to support early childhood education were inadequate. That realization led to the birth of Cleverex—a company that would focus on creating affordable, accessible, and powerful software solutions for Head Start programs.
A Long History of Impact
With more than two decades of successful projects with the Office of Head Start, U.S. Department of Education, and state-level contracts, we’ve made a lasting impact on the way Head Start and CAP agencies operate.
Some of our most notable contributions include:
HSFIS (Head Start Family Information System) – Launched as a free solution for Head Start programs to manage child and family data, this software became a cornerstone of early childhood data management.
Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC) – A critical resource for Head Start programs, providing comprehensive tools and resources for early childhood education.
Subcabinet for Children, Youth & Families Information System (SCYFIS) – A project for the State of Maryland to streamline child services data across multiple agencies.
These projects have played a pivotal role in the modernization of Head Start’s operations and have given us the experience needed to develop even more impactful solutions.
The Evolution of Our Products: From HSFIS to GoEngage
Our journey has always been about evolution. With each new challenge, we developed new, more sophisticated tools to meet the growing needs of Head Start and CAP agencies. What started as HSFIS evolved into PROMIS, myHeadStart, and eventually became GoEngage—a fully integrated platform that supports everything from data management and compliance tracking to family engagement and case management.
GoEngage is the culmination of years of innovation, feedback from Head Start programs, and a dedication to simplicity and affordability. With GoEngage, we’ve created a system that not only simplifies administrative tasks but also amplifies impact through improved collaboration, real-time data, and streamlined communication.
Our Product Journey: A Timeline of Innovation
Product Name | Timeframe | Key Features & Focus |
|---|---|---|
HSFIS (Head Start Family Information System) | 1997-2004 | First free solution for managing child and family data. |
PROMIS (Program Resources Outcomes Management Information System) | 2004-2016 | Focused on outcomes tracking, program management, and resource allocation. |
myHeadStart | 2016-2022 | Focused on family engagement and child development, with a more community-driven approach. |
GoEngage | 2022-Present | A unified platform for data management, family engagement, compliance, and case management. |
The Future: Empowering Agencies for Impact
Looking ahead, GoEngage is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation. With a focus on user-centered design, we continually improve our platform based on feedback from the programs we serve. The future of Head Start and CAP programs is bright, and we’re proud to be part of this transformative journey.
Our Core Values: Guiding Our Mission
At GoEngage, everything we do is guided by the following core values:
Core Value | What It Means to Us |
|---|---|
Customer-Centric Excellence | We build lasting partnerships by treating every customer as a valued individual and delivering tailored solutions that not only meet but also anticipate and exceed their needs. |
Relentless Innovation | We pioneer cutting-edge solutions by fostering a culture of constant improvement, to help agencies stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world. |
Empathy & Understanding | We listen deeply and act with empathy, recognizing that true innovation starts with understanding the unique challenges and goals of those we serve. |
Integrity | We operate with the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency and responsibility in every decision we make. |
Collaboration | We believe in working closely with agencies, each other, partners, and communities, fostering open communication and collaboration to achieve shared goals. |
Why GoEngage?
At GoEngage, we’re not just a software provider—we’re a trusted partner. Our mission is to help Head Start and CAP programs thrive by providing affordable and intuitive solutions that allow them to focus on their true mission: helping children and families.
Join the Movement
If you’re ready to take your Head Start or CAP program to the next level, we invite you to join the GoEngage community. Let’s work together to create lasting impact.
Contact Us – Learn more about how GoEngage can help your program.
sales@GoEngage.app | (800) 473-4780
Request a Demo – See how our platform can streamline your operations and enhance your impact.
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By
Stacy Lewis: Senior Director of Business Development at Cleverex Systems
Stacy Lewis is the Senior Director of Business Development at Cleverex Systems, the creator of GoEngage. A trusted leader in the Head Start software space since 2001, Stacy brings over 24 years of experience, including key roles at ChildPlus, KinderSystems (COPA and California subsidy products), and Learning Genie, before joining GoEngage.
Throughout her career, Stacy has helped countless agencies optimize operations, enhance family engagement, and achieve compliance with federal and state standards. Her extensive industry knowledge and commitment to innovation continue to drive transformative solutions that empower Head Start programs to better serve children and families.
