St. Louis Region’s Largest Head Start Providers Celebrate 60 Years of Delivering Positive Impacts Across Urban and Rural Communities

St. Louis, Missouri | August 19, 2025 – The St. Louis region’s four largest Head Start providers are celebrating the 60^th anniversary of the federal program that provides crucial educational and other services to pre-kindergarten children.

YWCA Metro St. Louis, Youth In Need, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation are leading a special celebration today featuring leaders from the four organizations, graduates of Head Start programs who are now adults, current students and their families, and elected officials.Created by the federal government in 1965, Head Start originally was an eight-week summer program that provided educational, social, nutritional, and other services to preschool children from families struggling financially. Today, Head Start is a year-round program that delivers tremendous value to pre-kindergarten children, their families, and the economy. The program has served nearly 40 million children nationwide over the past 60 years, and for every dollar invested in Head Start, $7 to $9 in economic and social benefits are returned.At the event today at YWCA’s South County Head Start Center, the four organizations are celebrating the collective impact they have made in the lives of children and their families in the St. Louis region. In 2024 alone, these four Head Start programs have had a significant local impact:

• Nearly 5,000 children educated.
• 3,000 working parents supported.
• Nearly 860 jobs delivered.
• More than $74 million invested in local communities.

“Head Start is a vital resource for families in our region, and the impacts of the program extend from our cities to rural and suburban areas,” said Dr. Cheryl Watkins, President and CEO, YWCA Metro St. Louis. “Research shows that children receiving robust education before they enter kindergarten are more likely to be successful in school and go to college. And with children in Head Start programs year-round, families have the opportunity to pursue jobs and careers to support their families, delivering significant economic impact.”Joining Dr. Watkins in today’s celebration are Pat Holterman-Hommes, President and Chief Executive Officer, Youth In Need; Dr. Michael Brown, Chief of Staff, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis; and Diana Hayes, Chief Executive Officer, Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation. Current Head Start families; graduates of Head Start who are now adults; and local elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell, Missouri State Sen. Brian Williams, Missouri State Rep. Raychel Proudie, and Ferguson Mayor Ella M. Jones also are participating.Some of the positive impacts the Head Start program has had on communities include:

• Head Start participants are 8.5% more likely to enroll in college and 39% more likely to finish college.
• Head Start graduates are less likely to need special education, less likely to be incarcerated, and less dependent on public benefits as adults.
• Head Start participants are 29% less likely to receive public assistance and 12% to 23% less likely to live in poverty as adults.
• Head Start programs in rural communities address unique challenges such as limited access to early childhood education, health care, and economic opportunities.

Following are comments from the Head Start leaders in the St. Louis region:Pat Holterman-Hommes, President and Chief Executive Officer, Youth In Need: “It’s a privilege for Youth In Need to be able to provide Head Start services across so many St. Louis communities – urban, suburban, and rural – and to do so not only in our own programs but with many other early learning centers who partner with us to help families stay strong and get stronger.”Michael P. McMillan, President and Chief Executive Officer, the Urban League: “For 60 years, Head Start has been a lifeline for children and families – providing not just early education, but a foundation for lifelong success. Its impact reaches every corner of our region, empowering parents, preparing children to thrive, and strengthening the fabric of our communities. This anniversary celebrates progress, partnership, and brighter futures for generations to come.”Diana Hayes, Chief Executive Officer, Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation: “Our Head Start program is more than early education – it’s a lifeline for families in our rural communities. It empowers low-income parents with resources, support, and hope, while giving children the strong foundation they need to thrive. The impact is generational, and I’m proud of the role we play in building brighter futures where they’re needed most.”

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