SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation will receive $2,469,760 in federal support for head start programming in Macoupin, Calhoun, Greene and Jersey Counties. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

“Head Start programs provide critical support to our youngest students and their parents,” said Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski. “Today, I’m thrilled to announce that children in Macoupin County will benefit from more than $2.4 million in federal grant funding to help encourage a lifetime of learning.”

The Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation (IDEVC) is a charitable and educational organization that exists to serve the most vulnerable populations and to mitigate poverty through the administration of federal, state, local and private resources. 

Head Start programs promote school readiness for young children from birth to age five by providing programming to enhance cognitive, social and emotional development. Head Start programs are operated by local nonprofit organizations, community action agencies and school districts. Currently, Head Start programs serve more than 36 million children across the United States.

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