Heinrich, Luján Welcome Head Start Funding For New Mexico

Press Release

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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