Digital Media Center
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 61
920 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0370
(800) 654-4262

© 2024 Alabama Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ala. Awards $7.3M In Grants For Pre-Kindergarten

Alabama is looking at another expansion for the state's Pre-Kindergarten program.
Alabama School Readiness Alliance
Alabama is looking at another expansion for the state's Pre-Kindergarten program.

Alabama will award nearly $7.3 million in grants to increase the number of children enrolled in its pre-kindergarten programs.

Gov. Robert Bentley announced the grant recipients Wednesday. The spending is part of a $9.4 million funding increase approved by the state Legislature.

Bentley had earlier sought an additional $12.5 million in state funding for the program in Alabama's education budget, though lawmakers ultimately approved less money.

The Republican governor said in a statement that children deserve the opportunity to excel. He called the grants a "wise investment."

State officials are trying to increase enrollment in Alabama's pre-kindergarten program. Only 6 percent of the state's 4-year-olds are enrolled.

The grant funding will be divided among 93 sites across the state.

Related Content
News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you.