BILLINGS — Montana has applied for $40 million in federal grants to increase preschool opportunities for 16 communities, including eight on Indian reservations.
The U.S. Department of Education will award $250 million in grants later this year for states to build or expand their public preschool programs. Montana was one of 16 states eligible to apply.
Gov. Steve Bullock called the grant an incredible opportunity to expand access to pre-kindergarten opportunities in high-needs areas.
Montana does not currently allocate any state funding for preschool. The Billings Gazette reports the state was unsuccessful in a similar grant application last year.
Bullock says his 2015-17 budget proposal will include $37 million for preschools.