Congressman, Tim Ryan has announced a $3,168,898 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Trumbull Community Action Program's (TCAP) Head Start program on Wednesday.

The grant is funded through the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start and will support Trumbull County Action Head Start through Oct. 31, 2022.

The Head Start program began in 1965 as an eight-week demonstration project designed to help break the cycle of poverty. It provided preschool children in low-income families with a comprehensive program to meet their emotional, social, health, nutritional and educational needs.

In 1998, the program was reauthorized to expand to full-day and full-year services, and was most recently reauthorized in 2007 with bipartisan support. 

Congressman Ryan says he's proud of the work done by the Trumbull County Action in providing educational opportunities to the children of Trumbull County.

"Head Start programs across the country and here in Ohio are crucial to serving the educational needs of most vulnerable children, and I am proud that this federal investment is going to such a good cause," Ryan said.

TCAP CEO, Van Nelson also expressed his gratitude for the grant.

"Head Start Director, Toni Heller and the entire Head Start staff strive to provide quality education and supportive services despite modern-day obstacles such as workforce issues and the pandemic. This grant enables us to further our efforts as a first step in helping to prepare deserving children for success in their educational journeys," Nelson said.