Shore Up! Receives Annual $9 Million Grant

SALISBURY, Md. – In Maryland a local organization is turning grant money into opportunities for children to get a head start on education.

Shore Up says their using their annual $9 million grant from the Health and Human Services to give low-income children a chance at pre-k.

“Without this award we would not be able to operate,” Corey Bowen, Director of the Head Start program, said.

And if Head Start couldn’t operate, hundreds of children across the Eastern Shore wouldn’t have the opportunity to prepare for kindergarten, something Head Start teachers say would set those kids back for their entire education.

“it’s important because the children need a head start, that’s the whole purpose behind the name – is to give them a headstart in their academic life,” Michelle Kogon, Education Supervisor, said.

Children in the program come to school everyday, where they learn to count, learn their colors, and learn to spell. But it’s not just about the mathematics and the textbooks.

“We do provide all sorts of academic opportunities when children are with us, we first want to concentrate on their social and emotional well-being,” Kogon said.

All important lessons that these teachers would not be able to give to students without the annual $9 million dollar grant awarded to Shore Up.

“So again, without that we would not be able to operate this program in a free capacity for those families that are in need,” Bowen said.

Organizers with the head start program say that there are slots open right now, so any parent that is interested in getting their child involved can contact Shore Up.