Tester announces grant to teachers and students at Anaconda Head Start

Senator worked closely with Health and Human Services to secure $354,689 grant

(ANACONDA, Mont.) – During a visit to the Anaconda-Deer Lodge Head Start today, Senator Jon Tester announced to students and faculty a $354,689 Health and Human Services (HHS) grant.

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge Head Start had applied for the grant earlier this year, but the application was not fully considered by HHS because of technical issues. Tester worked closely with regional HHS officials to have the application reconsidered and ultimately Anaconda-Deer Lodge Head Start was awarded the grant.

“Children who are enrolled in early childhood development initiatives like Head Start do better in school and are more likely to graduate from college,” Tester said. “This grant allows families in Anaconda to continue sending their children to Head Start where they will get a leg up and increase their shot at success.”

Anaconda-Deer Lodge Head Start has been operating since 1967 and provides comprehensive early childhood development for 90 children between the ages of three and five.

In Anaconda, at least 90 percent of the children attending Head Start are living below the federal poverty line.

Earlier this year, Republicans in Congress passed a budget that cuts $19 billion from Head Start and eliminates 35,000 slots from Head Starts across the country.

Head Starts are located in 61 cities across Montana.