U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2,723,902 to the Kentucky Communities Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. (KCEOC) in Barbourville to administer the Head Start program. 

“Providing every opportunity available for our children is essential to moving our region forward,” said Rogers.  “Head Start is vital to ensuring that our children have the support and education they need to be successful now and in the future.  Healthy kids that are given the tools they need to thrive will not only make our communities better, it will make our region, our state and our nation a better place.”

Head Start provides comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged families, with a special focus on helping preschoolers develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school.  This national initiative also promotes school readiness by enhancing the development of children through educational, health and nutritional services.

The funds go to the Kentucky Communities Economic Opportunity Council (KCEOC).  KCEOC is a private, non profit corporation that runs a variety of community service programs and the federal funds will go towards supplementing Head Start programs and making them more available across the region. KCEOC has a long history of operating Head Start Programs since Head Start was launched in 1965. In addition to Knox County, KCEOC also serves Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Laurel and Rockcastle Counties.  

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the fifth Congressional district.