September 9, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott L. Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
COLUMBIA, MD – Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball dedicated a new Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) bus, serving low-income students enrolled in early education at Howard County Head Start centers. The new bus was funded by a Howard County Community Partnership Grant and the Ellicott City-Columbia Lions Club, to replace an old bus that required costly maintenance and posed a safety hazard. The bus will transport 35 preschoolers and includes 5-point safety harnesses. Photos of the event can be found here. Video can be found here.
“Early education is critical to helping our young children from low-income families become school-ready. Children enrolled in Head Start are 31% less likely to be held back a grade, and they have a higher likelihood of graduating high school and attending college,” said Ball. “Unfortunately, many of our parents do not have cars or their work prevents them from being able to drive their child. Thankfully, our partnership with the Lion’s Club and CAC will ensure that all our children have safe and convenient access to early education.”
The dedication event also featured the Lion’s Club’s presentation of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award to Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and to Jen Grieb, the Director of Resource Development at CAC. The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on Lions and members of the community.