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Sixpence

Sixpence Expansion Grants 

Sixpence Early Learning Fund announces a new grant opportunity to promote community-based programs serving children prenatal-to-age-three.

The Board of Trustees of the Sixpence Early Learning Fund announced on June 9, 2021, that it will accept proposals for a new round of grant awards to help communities establish new or expand existing early childhood programs for very young children at risk and their families.

The new grants were made possible through a funding increase for Sixpence proposed in LB342 by Senator John Stinner of Gering, Appropriations Committee chair. The proposal was subsequently incorporated into the state’s mainline budget bill, allocating an additional $2.5 million per year to Sixpence.

For more information or to apply:    https://www.singasongofsixpence.org/-lb-342/

 

 

  • Stimulating, emotionally supportive experiences prepare children to succeed in school and life.
    LEARN HOW.

  • Capable, confident parents and caregivers guide healthy neural growth and skill formation in the first three years.
    FIND OUT WHY.

  • Fiscally responsible, locally-controlled programs deliver accountability for our investment in quality early learning.
    READ MORE.

News & Events

Helen and Ron Raikes honored with Abbott Award
byKaren Pinkleman

Helen Raikes, Willa Cather Professor of Child, Youth and Family Studies (CYAF), and her late husband, former Nebraska State Senator Ron Raikes, were recognized Oct. 10 with the Grace Abbott Award from the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation.

The award honors the Raikes vision for the Sixpence Early Learning Fund, which for 10 years has brought high-quality early childhood education to vulnerable families in Nebraska. Helen and Ron worked hand in hand to fight for additional funding for early childhood education in Nebraska.

“It’s hard not to be convinced about the importance of the early years,” says Helen. “Everything that follows builds on these early beginnings. Children lacking the experiences [stimulation, nutrition, and emotional support] during these early years show up to kindergarten significantly behind their peers, and most studies show they do not catch up. Moreover, it seems most moral to remove barriers to give children a chance to fulfill their genetic potential. Shouldn’t every child have this opportunity?”

https://youtu.be/C-r0zYd6DbE

Broken Bow's Sixpence collaboration shows how multiple local partners can work together seamlessly to advance the early learning and development of infants and toddlers in central Nebraska.

Crete Public School