Rep. Bresnahan announces more than $11M for local Head Start programs

WILKES-BARRE — U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. said on Wednesday that Head Start programs give kids the boost they need for a strong start in life.

Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township, announced over $11 million in federal funding for Head Start programs in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties.

The grants will help provide early childhood education, health care, nutrition and family support services to children and families across the region.

“This next generation will take us to the 22nd century, and it is critical to provide them with every resource we have at our disposal to help them succeed,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “These grants are a significant step in supporting children and families across our region.”

The grant awards include:

• $6,010,135 for Luzerne County Head Start, Inc.

• $5,259,873 for the Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA.

Rep. Bresnahan said he has been a consistent supporter of Head Start. Earlier this year, he signed a Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations letter calling for robust federal funding to keep these programs strong.

“Prioritizing early education — especially for our young children and families that traditionally lack those resources — is one of the smartest investments we can make,” Bresnahan said. “I’ll keep working to make sure families in Northeastern Pennsylvania have access to the tools and resources they need.”

Head Start provides critical services for children from birth to age five, focusing on families with the greatest need. The program supports school readiness and gives children access to health screenings, meals and family support services.