Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced more than $25 million in Federal funding has been awarded through the U.S . Department of Health and Human Services, to support Head Start programs serving families across Northern and Central Illinois.
This funding will help expand access to early childhood education, health services, and family support programs for children and working families in the region.
“Head Start programs are a lifeline for families–providing high-quality early education, nutritious meals, and critical support services that help children succeed in school and in life,” said Congressman Sorensen. “It means kids have a safe place to learn and grow, and parents have support they can count on. This funding is about giving more children in our communities a strong start.”
The funding recipients include:
• Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity, Inc. — $8,286,961
• Tri-County Opportunities Council — $8,371,821
• City of Rockford — $8,849,082
Head Start programs promote school readiness for young children from low-income families, by supporting their cognitive, social, and emotional development. These investments also provide essential resources for parents, helping strengthen families and local communities.
Congressman Sorensen has been a strong advocate for expanding access to early childhood education and making sure Federal resources reach communities that need them most.