STATEHOUSE (June 11, 2021) – Eligible 4-year-olds heading into pre-K during the 2021-2022 school year can now apply for On My Way Pre-K grants, according to State Reps. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) and Doug Miller (R-Elkhart).
Established in 2014 as a pilot program and expanded statewide in 2019 through laws enacted by the Indiana General Assembly, On My Way Pre-K provides grants to low-income families to enroll their children in local, high-quality programs. King said early learning programs are critical to a child's future academic success.
"Enrolling a child in pre-K can set them up for success by learning basic skills like numbers and the alphabet before they reach grade school," King said. "Preschool offers a lot of benefits for kids, and I encourage local families to take advantage of this opportunity by applying today."
To qualify for a grant for the upcoming school year, a child must be 4 years old by Aug. 1, 2021, and plan to start kindergarten in the 2022-2023 school year. They must also live in a household with an income below 127% of the federal poverty level and have a parent or guardian working, going to school, attending job training or searching for employment.
Miller said a limited number of grants will also be available for 4-year-olds who live in a household with an income up to 185% of the federal poverty level and have a parent or guardian who meets employment requirements, or who receives Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income Benefits.
"High-quality pre-K can help students, especially those from low-income families or who are at risk, learn essential skills that will help prepare them for kindergarten and beyond," Miller said. "On My Way Pre-K connects kids to local education programs, and I hope more families from our area take advantage of this opportunity."
Since 2015, Miller said nearly 14,000 Hoosier children received a grant to attend preschool through the On My Way Pre-K program. Families can apply or learn more by visiting OnMyWayPreK.org or calling 800-299-1627.
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State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes the eastern portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes portions of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
