Hawaiʻi Preschools Selected for $2M Federal Grant

Tulsi Gabbard. Courtesy photo.

By Maui Now Staff

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard today announced that Hawaiʻi has been selected to receive a $2.07 million federal grant to support communities in the state in providing high-quality preschool programs.

The Preschool Development Grant, issued by the US Department of Education, comes after Hawaiʻi voters rejected an amendment that would have allowed public funding of private preschool programs.

Rep. Gabbard, who announced the grant funds, said the money will advance the state’s efforts over the next four years by setting up preschool programs in public charter schools, expanding access to large populations of Native Hawaiian families and those in high-need communities on Hawaiʻi Island, and providing culturally-responsive professional development and quality improvement activities for early education providers.

“I’ve had the privilege of visiting many of the preschools and Head Start programs across the state, and it’s clear that investing in early education opportunities for our keiki will help to provide the opportunity for a bright future for them, their families, and Hawaiʻi,” said Congresswoman Gabbard in a press release announcement. “This Preschool Development Grant will support the great work of Hawaiʻi educators and expand early education opportunities for families who are most in need of assistance.”

In addition to Hawaiʻi, eight other states were awarded Preschool Development Grants.

Gabbard was among the Hawaiʻi congressional delegation that jointly urged US secretaries of respective departments to give strong consideration to Hawaiʻi when awarding funds.