Funding, Grants & Awards | News

Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge Applications Now Available

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 08/28/13

The final application is now available for the second Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC), which puts $280 million up for grabs in the form of state-level competitive grants.

Designed "to improve the quality of early learning and development programs and close educational gaps for children with high needs," RTT-ELC "also supports states’ efforts to design and implement an integrated system of high-quality early learning and development programs and services," according to information released by the United States Department of Education.

Funds will be awarded in amounts ranging from $37.5 million to $75 million, depending on the proposal and the number of children five-years-old and under from low-income families as compared to the United States as a whole.

"Our goal is to expand high-quality early learning opportunities so every child in America can enter school ready to learn and succeed," said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, in a prepared statement. "In addition to higher test scores and graduation rates, the long-term results will be stronger families, safer communities, and a more competitive economy."

For more information, or to download an application, visit ed.gov.