WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., today announced the award of $37.6 million in federal grant funding for Head Start programs in Mississippi, including $30.3 million in new funding for Early Head Start programs in Benton, Marshall, DeSoto, Noxubee, Grenada, Lowndes, and Tunica counties.

“The expansion of Early Head Start in these seven counties will provide support for young children at a critical stage in their development,” Wicker said. “I supported the Institute of Community Services’ application for this funding. They have a long track record of providing comprehensive support services to Mississippi families in need.”

“This type of investment in early education can help children be better students. Head Start programs across the state have been instrumental in improving children’s physical, social, and intellectual development.  I’m pleased the Department of Health and Human Services is directing this significant funding to support Mississippi youths,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Head Start program.

Head Start programs provide a range of services to low-income families to improve the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of their children. Early Head Start programs are designed to address a similar range of developmental needs, but are designed for infants and toddlers up to the age of three.

All 82 counties in Mississippi are served by Head Start programs, which are administered by different grantees. Click here to learn more about Head Start programs in Mississippi.