Hoyer Announces Major Education Grant for Maryland

State Awarded Grant as Part of Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after Maryland was chosen as a winner of the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge, a competitive grant program jointly administered by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services. The Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge is designed to help states develop new approaches to raising the bar across early learning centers and to close the school readiness gap.

"I want to congratulate all of those who worked hard to secure this vital funding for Maryland," stated Congressman Hoyer. "In awarding this grant, the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services recognized our State's long history of educational excellence and commitment to implementing reforms that will benefit students from an early age."

In applying for this grant, Maryland created a plan to increase access to high-quality programs for children from low-income families, providing more children from birth to age 5 with a strong foundation necessary for success in school and beyond. Thirty-five states, DC, and Puerto Rico competed for funding, and Maryland was one of nine winners. The number and list was determined both by the quality of the applications and the funds available.

"Investing in education is a priority in our state and winning this competition shows that we are strongly committed to providing all children, especially in their early years, a foundation for success," continued Hoyer. "I have long supported these efforts, and will continue working with the Administration to ensure investments in early education are working to help more children in Maryland and across our nation enter school better prepared to succeed."

To learn more about the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge, click here.