Wis. eligible for new federal early learning contest - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

WASHINGTON (WKOW) – After qualifying as a finalist for millions in federal dollars to improve learning programs, Wisconsin will be able to compete for a new pot of money.

The Obama administration announced Wisconsin, Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico and Oregon are eligible for a share of $133 million in new "Race to the Top" funding. The money is supposed to help build statewide systems that affect all early learning programs like child care, Head Start centers and public or private preschools.

This follows a competition late last year when 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.