Despite “reams of evidence” that afterschool programs help children both in and out of the classroom, President Donald Trump’s proposed budget completely eradicated the $1 billion 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant, which supports before and afterschool programs.
Fortunately, Congress stepped in and took the buzz saw out of the president’s hands, funding the grant program for another year at about $1.1 billion.
Losing the grant “would have been devastating for our field and for families,” says Warner, President and CEO of the NAA. “Because it focuses on communities of need, it really would have set back a lot of the advancements that we have made. The good news is Congress heard from many of their constituents who are parents and those working in the field. But it will continue to be a fight every year.”
Although there are numerous sources of federal, state and private funding for afterschool programs, the 21st CCLC grant is the largest federal funding stream solely dedicated to afterschool. Continue reading in After School Elevated, the official publication of Eleyo.
