WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced two federal grants totaling over $5 million for the Minot and Fargo communities to support Head Start and Early Head Start Programs that further young children’s education.

“No matter where a child is born they deserve access to a high quality education from an early ages through adulthood,” said Heitkamp. “Investing in early childhood education has proven to set kids up for success throughout their lives that leads them to become productive members in communities across North Dakota. These federal funds will support Minot and Fargo children to enter Head Start and Early Head Start programs and receive the education they need.”

The federal grant funds are distributed as follows:

• Minot Public School District: $3,485,786

• Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency, Fargo: $1,571,194

These federal funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families Office of Head Start.