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Carper, Coons, Blunt Rochester announce $2.7 million grant award for Wilmington Head Start

March 25, 2019

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) announced a $2,774,036 grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Wilmington Head Start for their 2019 operating budget.

Wilmington Head Start, Inc. is a free preschool program that provides services to both the child and the family. Its core program is tailored to meet the needs of children ages 3-5. The program includes but is not limited to literacy and social skills for the children as well as parental involvement and educational opportunities for the parents.

File photo: Wilmington City Councilwoman Michelle Harlee (RIGHT) reading to a group of students enrolled in one of Wilmington Head Start’s three sites across the city Monday, Dec 11, 2017, in Wilmington, Del. Photo By Saquan Stimpson

“Ever since I was governor, I’ve been laser-focused on supporting early education and strengthening families,” said Senator Carper. “A strong foundation at this level is one of the most important things we can do to set children up to succeed at school. That is why programs like Head Start are so important to the community. They give children a safe place to learn, prepare for school and connect families with community resources.”

Submitted Photo

“The most important investments that we can make as a country are in our children, and there are few better ways to give American children opportunities to succeed than with early access to quality education,” said Senator Coons. “The Head Start program changes lives, and I’m excited that Wilmington Head Start is getting the type of federal support it needs to make a difference for so many Wilmington families.”

“By providing access to learning opportunities, nutritious food, health screenings, and essential support services, Head Start programs play a critical role in holistically supporting children and strengthening families across our state,” said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. “I am proud to continue to support and fight for funding for Wilmington Head Start and programs like it because they provide safe, inclusive spaces for our children to grow and learn.”