BUCKHANNON — Upshur County will benefit from significant federal funding, as U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) announced recently that $3,678,019 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will support local Head Start programs.

Specifically, $2,113,391 is allocated to the Upshur County Human Resources Head Start in Buckhannon, and $1,564,628 is earmarked for the Northern Panhandle Head Start Early Head Start Program in Wheeling.

“Every child in West Virginia deserves access to a quality education, no matter their background or where they live in our great state,” said Senator Manchin. “I’m pleased HHS is investing more than $3.6 million to support the critical efforts of these two Head Start programs, which will provide children in Upshur County and Ohio County with the skills and foundation they need for a bright future. As a long-time supporter of Head Start programs and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for funding to support educational opportunities for all children across the Mountain State.”

Head Start and Early Head Start programs promote educational and emotional growth for children from birth to age five. These initiatives cover early learning, emotional development, health and safety measures, and family well-being.