Friday, Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata welcomed a major grant of $1,590,738 for American Samoa's Head Start program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The substantial grant from HHS is part of its emergency supplemental funding program for Head Start programs across the country. It will go to help the American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE) administer its crucial programs for early childhood education and other health programs for low-income children and families.
"I am very proud of our hardworking people at the ASDOE and would like to congratulate Director Talauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli on this momentous achievement," Congresswoman Uifa'atali said. "It is crucial that our local educational services be given every resource to succeed, and this grant from HHS is a big step in that direction."
Congress established and continues to fund Head Start to help children succeed in school and in life. It funds programs that are focused on children under 5 years old. HHS is headed by Secretary Xavier Becerra.