Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31) announced a federal grant awarded to the San Bernardino County Preschool Services Department. The United States Department of Health and Human Services awarded the county department over $42 million for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs over the course of five years, spanning from 2015 through 2020.

“I’m happy to announce this significant grant for Head Start programs throughout San Bernardino County. We’ve seen the differences that Head Start has made in the lives of children across the Inland Empire and our nation, so it’s crucial that we continue to invest in our students’ future and improve education at every level, from pre-k through college.” said Rep. Aguilar.

San Bernardino County Director of Preschool Services Diana Alexander said, “We are beyond excited to have been awarded this grant because it enables us to provide comprehensive services to the most vulnerable children and families in our county, and allows us to positively influence a change in the trajectory of their lives for the present and in the years to come.”

Rep. Aguilar visited a Head Start program in San Bernardino last month, sitting down with teachers, administrators, and students at the Baker Family Learning Center. He also worked as a teacher’s aide in a Head Start program when he was a student at the University of Redlands, where he earned the nickname “Mr. Pete” from his students. In his Jobs Plan released in April, Rep. Aguilar highlighted investing in early childhood education and making college more affordable as two of his priorities in Congress, and to get the Inland Empire economy back on track. The Jobs Plan can be read in full here.