More than 100 at-risk 4-year-old students will receive a preschool experience they might not have had because of a $45,000 grant to the Lawrence Schools Foundation from the Ethel and Raymond Rice Foundation.

The foundations have supported the Lawrence school district’s early childhood education program since 1996. The district’s Early Childhood Readiness Program is at the East Heights Early Childhood and Family Center, 1430 Haskell Ave.

“The annual grant we receive from the Rice Foundation, along with generous support from other private donors, is essential for the continuation of this extremely vital program,” said Susan Esau, the schools foundation’s executive director.

The Lawrence Schools Foundation provides approximately $100,000 annually to the readiness program.