(The Center Square) – New Mexico has received $1.4 million in federal funding to support Head Start services at New Mexico State University, drawing support from U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez, all Democrats.
Heinrich said the funding will help invest in the future of New Mexican children.
“I’m proud to welcome over $1 million to support NMSU’s work in creating a strong foundation for our children,” Heinrich said. “The best way to invest in New Mexico’s future is to invest in New Mexico’s families.”
Luján echoed that sentiment.
“Investments in early education create a foundation for future success,” Luján said. “That’s why I’m proud to welcome this investment to NMSU to support Head Start programs and advance quality early education. Attending Head Start as a child helped get me where I am today, and this investment will ensure more students have access to the same opportunities.”
Additionally, Vasquez said the program sets children up for “lifelong success.”
“Head Start is a critical program for so many families in New Mexico that has set up countless children for lifelong success,” Vasquez said. “I am so proud to welcome over $1 million to NMSU’s Head Start services.”
However, Head Start programs do not impact children in the long term.
By 3rd grade, any academic benefits these programs have for children are wiped out, according to a study from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Provided at no cost to eligible families, these programs offer services to children from birth to five years old.
