Heinrich, Luján Welcome Head Start Funding For New Mexico

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a Head Start alumnus,  announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is awarding over $1.4 million in Head Start grants to New Mexico Tribes and organizations. The awards are part of Head Start emergency supplemental funding passed in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260).

“I am proud to see strong federal investment in New Mexico’s families to address the social, emotional and physical needs of students,” said Heinrich. “These funds provide immediate assistance to the communities hardest hit by the pandemic. By adopting a two-generation approach, students will be able to recover and thrive while also providing relief to parents, teachers, faculty and other important members of our community.”

“As a product of Head Start, I know firsthand that this program has helped generations of American children succeed school and in life. It’s critical young children continue to have access to early education, regardless of their income status,” said Senator Luján. “These important Head Start grants will help students, families, and teachers across New Mexico through the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure they have the resources to thrive. With this strong federal investment, New Mexico’s youngest students will have more opportunities to receive a quality education and a good-paying job in the future.”

Background: Provided by HHS, recipients that received Head Start grants include:

• New Mexico State University – $78,252  
• HELP – New Mexico, Inc. – $122,494
• Southeast NM Community Action Corporation – $198,339
• City of Albuquerque Early Head start – $38,524
• Santo Domingo Tribe- Kewa Health Outreach Program – $64,407
• Mescalero Apache Tribe – $36,116
• Mid-west New Mexico Community Action Program  – $217,601
• Native American Professional Parent Resources Inc. – $21,670
• Pueblo of Santa Clara – $11,437
• Presbyterian Medical Services, Inc. – $354,241
• Child and Family Services Inc., of Lea County – $93,902
• Region IX Education Cooperative – $47,854
• Clinica de Familia Inc., LA – $55,078
• West Las Vegas Schools – $52,971
• Mora Independent School District – $34,611

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