Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall today congratulated Colorado on winning a $29,907,916 competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC) competition. The grant will support early childhood education initiatives throughout the state.
“Quality early childhood learning programs strengthen our education system and our economy. They have proven critical to students’ success in school and help better prepare them for careers in the workforce,” Bennet said. “These resources are further evidence that Colorado continues to be a leader and innovator in education.”
“These competitive, Race to the Top grant funds will help schools create innovative learning environments that improve education and keep Colorado on the cutting edge,” Udall said. “Colorado’s natural and human resources are two of the most important reasons businesses choose to move here and create jobs. By leveraging these funds and giving our children a 21st century education – and expanding access to early childhood education – Colorado be well positioned to compete in the global economic race now and well into the future.”
The RTT-ELC grant competition focuses on improving early learning and development programs for young children by supporting States’ efforts to increase opportunities for low-income and disadvantaged children, invest in high-quality early learning programs and services, and adapt these programs and services so that they continue to serve the needs of students.
Bennet is a cosponsor of a bill to authorize Race to the Top as a permanent program.