Haddon Heights, NJ – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have jointly awarded nearly $17.5 million to improve preschool programs throughout New Jersey. The federal grant, which will be shared among 19 districts, is designed to ensure that preschool is more accessible to children in high need communities and that students are fully prepared to enter kindergarten. Recipients in the First Congressional District include Bellmawr, Lindenwold, and Paulsboro. 

Provided under the Administration’s Preschool Development Grant program, these funds are awarded on a competitive basis and may be used to build or expand high-quality preschool programs for children from low- and moderate-income families. The State of New Jersey will administer the grant and determine the amount of funding for each of the 19 targeted districts. In New Jersey, the grant is expected to expand high-quality preschool access to an additional 1,248 children and improve existing slots for over 1,000 preschoolers. 

“The return on this investment cannot be underestimated,” said Congressman Norcross. “A robust early education program is essential for young learners to achieve their full potential. This grant will make sure that our young students have the tools they need to be ready for their introductory school years – a critical point in the learning process. By investing in education and childhood development, we are taking another step forward in building new opportunities for South Jersey’s students and communities, and it will be done without having to overburden local school district budgets and taxpayers.” 

Nationwide, eighteen states have been awarded nearly $250 million under the Preschool Development Grant program this year alone. The federal funding, which has already been appropriated by Congress, is expected to benefit nearly 63,000 preschoolers throughout the country.