Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded The Opportunity Alliance in Cumberland County a total of $3,883,825 for its Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.

“Head Start programs are instrumental in ensuring that children cultivate new skills and receive educational opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “We welcome this important investment in Cumberland County, which will help to ensure that students continue to have the strong foundation they need to grow and succeed.”

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.  Early Head Start services are available for eligible children age zero to three and pregnant women.  Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being.