Harris Announces $2.3 Million Grant for Head Start Serving Rural Maryland

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) announced the award of a $2,369,024 grant for the Maryland Rural Development Corporation, serving Harford, Cecil and Caroline counties. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Administration for Children & Families. The funds will be distributed through the Head Start program.

Head Start programs promote school readiness of children from birth to age 5 from low-income families. According to the Office of Head Start, programs "offer a variety of service models, depending on the needs of the local community. Many Head Start and Early Head Start programs are based in centers and schools." Services include early learning, children's health and family well-being.

Maryland Rural Development Corporation is a private non-profit organization that provides services in response to the needs of rural, low-income households and communities. MRDC provides Head Start programs in Harford, Cecil and Caroline counties.

Congressman Harris made the following statement:

"As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Health and Human Services, I applaud the award of this grant to support Head Start programs in rural Maryland. These funds will provide support to low-income families and their children in our local rural communities, and I remain committed to ensuring that rural services get needed federal assistance."

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