Early Childhood Connections

The rapid city starting strong initiative seeks to provide a voluntary, community-based scholarship program to help 3-and 4-year old children in poverty access quality early education in partnership with qualified program providers of the parent's choice. In 2024, the program received $960,667 in donations. In 2024, $259,871 was used for scholarships for early education and $244,474 was awarded to childcare facilities for quality and security improvements.