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 two organizations in Maine a total of $9,650,792 for their 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 investment in families across Maine, which will encourage our children to grow and thrive.”

The funding will be allocated as follows:

• Aroostook County Action Program in Presque Isle will receive $4,070,029.
• Penquis Community Action Program in Bangor will receive $5,580,763.

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.