PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook County Action Program’s Head Start in Presque Isle is one of five Maine organizations awarded nearly $13 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for their Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
Of the $12,905,079 total grant package, the local program will receive $3,030,735.
Funds will also go to Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care based in Lewiston, Midcoast Maine Community Action based in Bath, Penquis Community Action Program Inc. of Bangor, and Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation based in Farmingdale. The grants are part of multi-year, non-competitive funding.
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King said in a joint statement, “Head Start programs across Maine provide invaluable resources to young children and their families, helping them to develop new skills and build educational opportunities. Our Head Start providers work tirelessly to make their communities stronger, and we appreciate this continued federal investment in Maine’s future.”
Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional and social services to eligible four and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Head Start services include early learning, health and family well-being. The Office of Head Start administers grant funding and oversight to the local agencies that provide Head Start services in Maine and across the country.
