Scholarship sponsorships are needed.
All funds raised benefit local children & our
community.
There are many ways to contribute. Call 342-6464
for more information.
© 2015 - Starting Strong Rapid City - Early Childhood Connections Rapid City, SD 57702
What is Starting Strong Rapid City?
Starting Strong Rapid City is a
•
Market Based
•
Voluntary
•
Parent-Driven
community scholarship program for 3- and 4-year-old children from low income
families. It provides scholarships for children so that they may obtain high-
quality early education in order to enter school ready to learn.
Parents of eligible children can choose a quality preschool from among
approved programs that provide healthy meals and snacks, quality learning
environments and highly qualified educators.
Programs like Starting Strong provide the
foundation for:
School readiness, positive attitudes towards education, less need for remedial
and special education services in schools, fewer problems with truancy and
delinquency, higher graduation rates, higher earnings and succcess later in
life.
Early Education is Economic Development
Early Education pays huge dividends!
Studies show the return on investment for education is greatest during the
preschool years. More than $7 (and as much as $17) in public funds are saved
for every $1 spent on high quality programs like Starting Strong.
Research finds that when tested at ages 8, 10, and 14, children from
disadvantaged backgrounds who were enrolled in quality pre-kindergarten
programs achieved at higher levels than those who weren’t. Former preschool
students graduate from high school at significantly higher rates than non-
participants and they earn more in later life.
Give the Gift of Learning &
Invest in the Future!