(RALEIGH) -- Gov. Bev Perdue announced Friday that North Carolina has won a share of $500 million for early childhood education programs. The state was just one of nine that will get this latest round of funding from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

It is not yet certain how much of the $500 million North Carolina will get. The state’s application was for approximately $70 million.

“All children in a classroom benefit if everyone starts kindergarten ready to succeed,” said Gov. Bev Perdue. “North Carolina’s early childhood system is a national leader, and this grant will allow us to take dramatic steps forward toward the goal I have set of assuring that every child has the chance to succeed in school and life.”

The grant recipients were officially revealed by the White House on Friday morning. North Carolina Sen. Kay Hagan said investments in education cannot wait until kindergarten or first grade. "North Carolina’s selection as a winner of the Race to the Top—Early Learning Challenge Grant solidifies our state’s place as a national leader in early childhood education,” said Hagan.

She led a group of her NC congressional colleagues, including Reps. Butterfield, McIntyre, Shuler, Watt and Miller, in supporting North Carolina's application for the grant. Hagan is a member of the Senate committee responsible for education policy.