I of the ESEA as amended by the Improving America s Schools Act. Beginning in 1995-96, more teen parents became eligible for Even Start. Since the 1994 reauthorization removed restrictions on services to teen parents who are within a state's compulsory school attendance age range, teen parents in this category may now participate as long as a local education agency provides the basic educational services. Except for projects under Even Start set asides, all projects now are state administered with all fifty states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia participating.
States hold subgrant competitions and make subgrant awards.
The Department makes grants directly to eligible applicants to support the implementation of the Even Start family literacy approach. Even Start projects have been funded. MEES projects serve a highly mobile population including many families moving across states each year. Some MEES projects coordinate Even Start services provided in multiple states. In addition to economic and educational limitations common to all Even Start families, many migratory parents and children are recent immigrants and are limited in English language proficiency.