🚨 Funding Withholding Threatens 10,000 Afterschool and Summer Programs Nationwide
Breaking News: States will not receive their allotted funding for local afterschool and summer programs as expected on July 1.
The move could immediately impact summer and afterschool programs funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant for the 2025-2026 school year.
A critical funding delay from the federal government is putting more than 10,000 local afterschool and summer programs—and the 1.4 million students who rely on them—at risk. Despite a bipartisan commitment through the FY 2025 spending bill signed into law on March 15, states were informed on June 30 that their 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funds would be withheld pending a federal review. No clear timeline or justification for the delay has been provided. These funds were expected to be available as of July 1.
This disruption affects not only students but also working families who count on these programs for safe, enriching learning environments during out-of-school hours. Without immediate action, countless children may lose access to meals, STEM learning, and summer enrichment, while parents are left without crucial childcare support. We urge readers to contact their governor, congressional representatives, and state attorney general to call on the White House to release these funds now. Every day counts.