U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan

DEA News:

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District highlighted today $25 million in “Race to the Top” funds that New Mexico will receive to improve education in the state.

The grant from the Department of Education is part of the “Early Learning Challenge” that focuses on improving early learning and development programs for young children by supporting states’ efforts to:

· increase the number and percentage of low-income and disadvantaged children in each age group of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who are enrolled in high-quality early learning programs;

· design and implement an integrated system of high-quality early learning programs and services; and

· ensure that any use of assessments conforms with the recommendations of the National Research Council’s reports on early childhood.

“Education is the key to unlocking opportunities for our children and preparing them to be leaders in our community,” Luján said. “It is vital that New Mexico’s children get off to a strong start with a solid foundation, and these funds through the Race to the Top program will enable New Mexico to invest in early education that is a critical component to future success.”

New Mexico will receive the $25 million award over four years.