November 05, 2018

Wyden, Merkley Announce Nearly $10 Million in Head Start Grants for Oregon

Preschoolers in early childhood programs to benefit in Multnomah, Jackson and Yamhill counties

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that Head Start programs in Multnomah, Jackson and Yamhill counties will receive more than $9.9 million in federal grants.

“As a long-time supporter of Head Start, I know these investments in Oregonians at an early age produces lifetime dividends for them and their communities,” Wyden said. “Providing preschool children with early educational opportunities increases their opportunity to move up America’s economic ladder, and I will continue to fight for Head Start to receive the funding this proven program deserves.”

“When I was a child, my father took me to the doors of the schoolhouse and told me that if I worked hard, I could do just about anything, because we live in America,” Merkley said. “That’s the promise of this country. All too often, however, that promise isn’t fulfilled for low-income and disadvantaged students. These grants help close that opportunity gap, and I will continue to use my seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee to fight for this important funding.”

The Head Start grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are as follows:

  • Albina Head Start, Portland, $4.38 million
  • Southern Oregon Child & Family Council, Central Point. $4.42 million
  • Head Start of Yamhill County, $1.12 million