Maui Head Start Program Receives $2 M Federal Grant

Staff stand outside the MEO building in Wailuku.

By Maui Now Staff

The US Department of Health and Human Services will be awarding Maui Economic Opportunity with a $2.01 million grant for its Head Start services for eligible children and families in Maui County.

The announcement was made today by US Senator Brian Schatz, US Senator Mazie Hirono, and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

“Our keiki are our future, so an investment in their education, is an investment in the future of our state,” said Gabbard in a joint announcement. “I’ve visited with the children and families who benefit from Head Start on Maui, and seen the value of this program firsthand. Head Start provides families access to educational programs and young students a chance to learn in a healthy classroom environment, that they would not have had otherwise. These funds will help build on the program’s current success in empowering our keiki in Maui County.”

Senator Schatz said the Head Start program has shown that when children are better prepared for school at a young age, they have a better opportunity for success.  Schatz, who is a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee said, “These federal funds will make sure Head Start services in Maui County can continue to operate and provide the education our children need to succeed in school and in life.”

Fellow Senator Hirono said she has been committed to quality early learning, and said the funding comes as the Head Start program celebrates 50 years.  “This funding will ensure that children across Maui County continue to have access to quality early learning programs. These investments lead to success in school and will help build a 21st century workforce across Maui County, Hawaiʻi, and our nation,” she said.

According to Maui Economic Opportunity, the Head Start program is designed to support the entire family and focuses on early childhood educational services to preschool aged children. The program prepares low-income, high-risk or special needs children for Kindergarten and future success in schools.