Kean Visits New Somerville YMCA Preschool Classrooms, Longtime Project Comes to Fruition
(October 26, 2026) SOMERVILLE, NJ– Last week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) visited the Somerville YMCA Preschool to view the new classrooms and read to the students.
Through the FY24 Community Project Funding process, Congressman Kean delivered nearly $3.8 million to the Greater Somerset County YMCA to expand and build preschool classrooms in the Somerville YMCA.
Congressman Kean worked with the New Jersey Department of Education to streamline the waiver and licensing process to ensure that the Somerville YMCA could open its doors to 60 students for the 2026-2027 school year.
“I worked to secure this funding because every child deserves a strong start, and every family deserves access to quality early education,” said Congressman Kean. “Today, those federal dollars are delivering real results right here in Somerville, with newly completed classrooms serving local children and families. This is exactly what bringing people together and getting things done in Washington should look like.”
Kean continued, “It is great to see the culmination of years of effort to secure this federal funding for the Somerville YMCA and to work with them to bring this project across the finish line.”
“The early years of a child’s life are among the most formative, creating the foundation for a lifetime of learning, growth, and opportunity,” said David Carcieri, President and CEO of the Greater Somerset County YMCA. “For children ages three and four, a high-quality preschool experience nurtures curiosity, builds confidence, and develops the social, emotional, and early academic skills that prepare them for future success. Our preschool program ensures that more children have access to early learning experiences in a welcoming, engaging environment where they can thrive.”
Carcieri continued, “We are deeply grateful to Congressman Tom Kean, Jr., for helping secure the federal funding that made Somerville YMCA’s renovation possible. His support, together with Somerville school district’s partnership, represents a meaningful investment in our children, our families, and the future of our community.”
Read the letter Congressman Kean sent to the New Jersey Department of Education HERE.
Congressman Kean reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle to preschool students at the Somerville YMCA.
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