WASHINGTON –U.S. Senators John Boozman and Mark Pryor along with U.S. Congressman Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced a $1,104,077 grant for the Southwest Arkansas Development Council’s Head Start program in Texarkana.  The Department of Health & Human Services provided the grant to help maintain the Head Start program in Texarkana, which aims to give needy children a head start in life by helping to develop their early educational, health, nutritional and social needs.

“Providing our students with a learning friendly environment at a young age is essential to fostering growth and development. These funds will help provide the resources young minds need to be successful in school,” Boozman said.

“Head Start can jumpstart a child’s future,” Pryor said.  “The basic skills children develop at an early age are critical for educational success later in life.  These federal funds will help ensure Texarkana children have the tools they need to succeed.”

“Giving every child an equal opportunity to succeed and achieve their dreams requires that they get a strong head start in life,” said Ross.  “Investments in education are important because our children face the daunting challenge of competing with other children across the globe from places like India and China.  As the son of public school educators, I’ve seen just how important an early, strong education can be in a student’s life.  By helping our children get a head start, we can work to put them on a path to healthy, successful and prosperous lives.”