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Local networks describe how challenge grants and employer partnerships expanded ECE seats
Summary
Panelists from Rapides and Jefferson parishes described local strategies — challenge grants, employer scholarships, bilingual outreach and leadership development — that raised qualifying dollars to leverage state matches and expand subsidized early‑childhood seats.
Panelists in the commission's 'ECE Fund in action' session described how Rapides and Jefferson parishes mobilized philanthropy, business partners and school systems to create seats and scholarships under the ECE Fund.
Cindy Rushing, early childhood director for the Rapides Parish School Board, said Rapides used a combination of a Rapides Foundation challenge grant ($1.3 million), Rotary Club leadership and hospital and business partners to offer scholarships for more than 300 children. She described a casework approach: families complete online applications and provide eligibility documentation; scholarship…
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