This year we are seeing a full slate of major legislative anniversaries. Just last month we had the 50th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid, but this past week another federal “War on Poverty” program, initiated under then President Lyndon Johnson, celebrated it’s 50th year inside Houston – Head Start.
Head Start was launched to target low-income children for early exposure to education that could give them an advanced chance when they entered traditional school. And although throughout its history it has faced challenges over funding and questions of effectiveness, it has endured thanks to community partners and advocates like Neighborhood Centers in Houston.
For the last 17 years NCI has hosted Head Start programs at 27 facilities and has touched the lives of over 34,000 children. But the agency does not plan to rest on its success, already it is working on expanding to Fort Bend County.
Video: Neighborhood Centers/YouTube
Related:
Teachers Throw Head Start A 50th Birthday Party (Houston Public Media)
