Federal Grant will Support Genesee and Saginaw Head Start Programs
FLINT—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today announced new federal grants to fund three Head Start education programs in Genesee and Saginaw counties.
The federal grants, totaling $31,895,224, were awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to improve early childhood education in mid-Michigan. This funding will support high-quality learning, as well as nutritious meals, health and developmental screenings, oral and mental health support, and behavioral and special needs services. The following Head Start organizations will receive funding:
$11,287,292 for the Saginaw Intermediate School District
$9,042,196 for Genesee Intermediate School District
$11,565,736 for Genesee County
“High-quality early education is one of the best investments we can make in our children’s future,” said Kildee. “Head Start programs play a vital role in setting our children up for success. I am proud to have secured this funding to support mid-Michigan children, and I will continue working in Congress to help the teachers, workers and volunteers who support these programs.”
“We appreciate this ongoing support of critical programming for our youngest learners across Genesee County,” said Dr. Steven Tunnicliff, superintendent of Genesee Intermediate School District.
“We know that high quality early childhood programming is one of the most effective strategies to ensure future success for the next generation,” Tunnicliff added. “Congressman Kildee’s continued advocacy for Flint and Genesee County truly has a positive impact on our community.”
“Our Head Start program provides crucial services to children and families across Genesee County,” said Ellen Ellenburg, chairperson of Genesee County Board of Commissioners.
“This grant will help children develop school readiness skills and families achieve their own goals,” Ellenburg added. “We appreciate Congressman Kildee’s efforts to secure this funding,”
Congressman Kildee has long-supported initiatives to improve outcomes for mid-Michigan children, including Head Start. In May, Kildee announced a grant for the University of Michigan-Flint to support university research to help prevent violence and improve the well-being of children. Last year, Kildee announced $10 million for Head Start early childhood education programs in mid-Michigan.
