Senator Brian Schatz, Senator Mazie K. Hirono, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Announce $2 Million Grant for Head Start in Maui

Press Release

Today, Senator Brian Schatz, Senator Mazie K. Hirono, and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Head Start will be awarding Maui Economic Opportunity with a $2.01 million grant for Head Start services for eligible children and families in Maui County.

"Our keiki are our future, so an investment in their education, is an investment in the future of our state," said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. "I've visited with the children and families who benefit from Head Start on Maui, and seen the value of this program firsthand. Head Start provides families access to educational programs and young students a chance to learn in a healthy classroom environment, that they would not have had otherwise. These funds will help build on the program's current success in empowering our keiki in Maui County."

"Head Start has shown us that when our children are better prepared for school at a young age, they have a better opportunity for success," said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai"i), a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. "These federal funds will make sure Head Start services in Maui County can continue to operate and provide the education our children need to succeed in school and in life."

"Beginning when I was Hawaii's Lieutenant Governor, I have been committed to quality early learning to help kids start kindergarten ready to succeed," said Senator Mazie K. Hirono. "This week as we celebrate Head Start's 50th anniversary, the importance of giving our keiki a strong educational foundation is more apparent than ever. This funding will ensure that children across Maui County continue to have access to quality early learning programs. These investments lead to success in school and will help build a 21st century workforce across Maui County, Hawaii, and our nation."

According to Maui Economic Opportunity, the Head Start program is designed to support the entire family and focuses on early childhood educational services to preschool aged children. The program prepares low-income, high-risk or special needs children for Kindergarten and future success in schools. Learn more about Head Start in Maui at Maui Economic Opportunity's website.

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