Tester Secures Support for Butte’s Head Start Program

(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced $1.6 million to help Butte’s Head Start program ensure every child in Butte has the chance to succeed.

“The children of Montana are the future of Montana, and this is a valuable investment in our future,” said Tester, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We owe our kids every opportunity to grow, learn and thrive—that’s what Head Start does.”

The funding comes from the Administration for Children & Families, and has been awarded to Action, Inc., an organization that’s been providing educational, nutritional, and social services to kids across Butte for 52 years.

“This is a comprehensive program that involves the whole family in building a pathway out of poverty,” said Margie Seccomb, CEO of Action, Inc. “The best part of our year is in the spring when we get to see our students graduate, ready for kindergarten and on their way to a better life.”

This award will fund 10 Head Start classrooms—serving 186 children ages three to five—throughout the Butte community. These classrooms provide Pre-K preparation, daily meals, and advanced health screenings to children in the program.

As a former teacher and school board member, Senator Tester has been an ardent supporter of Head Start and other early childhood education initiatives. He recently announced an additional $3.8 million in funding for Head Start Programs across Cascade, Pondera, Toole, and Glacier Counties.