Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William (SBGPW), a school readiness initiative established to increase kindergarten readiness received a significant grant of $195,000 from the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF) on Wednesday, October 28, 2015.
VECF board member, Dr. William C. “Biff” Rees, a pediatrician with Burke Pediatrics presented the grant check to the Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William board of directors. This financial investment supports quality early childhood education and healthy initiatives for young children ages 0 – 5 in Prince William County, the cities of Manassas, and Manassas Park.
Prince William County Schools Education Foundation will serve as fiscal agent of the three-year grant.
Delegate Scott Lingamfelter attended the presentation and shared, “Early childhood reading skills are vital to a child’s success in elementary school where important foundations are laid for their lifelong learning. I applaud the efforts of Smart Beginnings and fully support their work.”
“We are honored to receive such a generous grant that will support our long-range goals to provide meaningful and enriching early learning opportunities for young children in our region, along with offering many helpful resources for parents and childcare providers,” said Larry Hughes, chair of SBGPW’s l.
Hughes is the former city manager of Manassas.
“Every business needs smart, skilled employees who are well-qualified for 21st century jobs,” said Dalena Kanouse,
president and CEO of Management and Training Consultants, Inc. (MTCI), chairwoman of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the SBGPW board of directors. “The workforce development pipeline begins with young children who have a strong foundation so they begin school healthy and ready to learn.”
Delegate Scott Lingamfelter attended the presentation and shared, “Early childhood reading skills are vital to a child’s success in elementary school where important foundations are laid for their lifelong learning. I applaud the efforts of Smart Beginnings and fully support their work.” “Because a child’s experiences in the early years can impact the trajectory of his or her entire life, it’s imperative that all young children have access to quality early learning opportunities so they can reach their full potential in school and in life,” said Dr. Rees. “By advancing school readiness, Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William and its community partners will create a stronger and more educated workforce that is capable of competing in the global economy.”
Recent Stories
Police are investigating after an 18-year-old man was fatally struck by a train early Wednesday morning near Manassas Drive.
Potomac Local News is giving away free tickets to one of the most powerful shows of the summer—Next to Normal at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts—and entering is as simple as filling out a form.
This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rambler in Fauquier County just saw a price reduction and is ready to welcome new owners looking for peaceful country living with modern comforts.
Fireworks will light up the sky over Garrison Park this Sunday as the Town of Dumfries hosts its annual Independence Fireworks Show.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
