Hoyer Attends Judith P. Hoyer Foundation Luncheon

GREENBELT, MD– Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD) delivered remarks today at a luncheon for the Judith P. Hoyer Foundation. The event honored Judy Centers, which are named in tribute to Rep. Hoyer's late wife Judith Hoyer and offer a wide variety of early childhood education programs and family support services to help young children prepare for and succeed in school. There are 52 Judy Centers serving young children and families throughout the state of Maryland. Mark Shriver, president of Save The Children's Action Network, served as the keynote speaker. Libby Doggett, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Policy and Early Learning from the U.S. Department of Education also attended and delivered remarks.

"I was pleased to attend today's luncheon to recognize the outstanding work of Judy Centers across the state of Maryland," said Congressman Hoyer. "Children with Judy Center experience – many of whom already start at a disadvantage – are showing remarkable progress, and that success is directly attributed to the dedication, commitment, and skills of the Judy Center staff. I also thank the Baltimore Community Foundation and its network of donors for their significant contribution to expand the Judy Center network and ensure that even more children in the city can benefit."

"In Congress, I've been working to share the successes we've had in Maryland with others around the country and encourage the spread of the Judy Center model because every child in America deserves the same opportunities we're making more widely available in Maryland," continued Congressman Hoyer. "That's why I worked hard last year to make sure Congress included support for the full-service, community schools model in the Every Student Succeeds Act we passed in December and have worked to secure the preschool development grant program that has helped fund the Judy Center expansion. Now, my colleagues and I are working to ensure that this effort receives the funding necessary to be implemented. I look forward to continuing to work to ensure that we're coordinating at the state, federal, and non-profit levels to support our Judy Centers and make this resource available even more widely. I thank Judy Center staff, the Judith P. Hoyer Foundation, and Libby Doggett, our keynote speaker Mark Shriver for their work to ensure Maryland children can succeed."

"Judy Centers offer a one-stop shop for an array of family services, all of which contribute to the success of Maryland's children," said Dr. Karen Salmon, Acting State Superintendent of Schools. "We are so fortunate to have the support of Congressman Hoyer as we work to improve student achievement throughout the State."

Judy Centers, which serve students in sixty school zones across the state, coordinate educational and social service programs through collaborative partnerships with school districts and community-based organizations. When Judy Centers opened fifteen years ago, fewer than half of all Maryland kindergarteners were fully school-ready when they advanced to the first grade. Today, that figure stands at 83%, which is a 69% improvement for Maryland school-readiness.  In November, the Baltimore Community Foundation announced a $6 million initiative to grow the Judy Center network and ensure that even more children in the city can benefit.