AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Two Maine departments are applying for a $32.2 million federal grant for education programs.

The departments of Education and Health and Human Services submitted a joint application this week in a federal grant competition. The money would be used to strengthen the quality of Maine’s early childhood programs and make them available to more high-needs children.

State officials say Maine is one of about 30 states expected to submit applications to the Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge, a $500 million competition among the states.

_

Online:

Maine’s Race to the Top application: http://www.maine.gov/education/fouryearold/racetothetop/

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.