Wisconsin eligible for share of "Race to the Top" funding

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration has announced that five states that were finalists in an earlier competition for millions in federal dollars to improve early learning programs will be able to compete for a new pot of money.

Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Oregon and Wisconsin are eligible for a share of $133 million in new "Race to the Top'' funding. The winnings are intended to help build statewide systems that affect all early learning programs such as child care, Head Start centers and public or private preschools.

Late last year, nine states won a collective $500 million for early learning programs.

Thirty-five states along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico had applied.

The contest is administered by the Education and Health and Human Services departments.

CLICK HERE for more on the "Race to the Top" program.