Wisconsin wins $22.7M early learning grant

MADISON (AP) -- Wisconsin has been awarded $22.7 million in a Race to the Top early learning challenge grant.

The White House said Thursday that Wisconsin is one of five states that was awarded money this year under the $133 million grant fund designed to improve quality and expand early learning programs.

Nine other states won funding in the first round of awards last year.

The competition called on states to create proposals to improve early learning by coordinating existing programs, evaluating and rating program quality, and increasing access to high-quality programs.

Wisconsin's money will be awarded over a four-year period in accordance with its plan.