Save 21st CCLC Afterschool Programs- An Update from the Afterschool Alliance

Source: Afterschool Alliance

Erik Peterson

Erik Peterson, Senior Vice President of Policy at Afterschool Alliance, issued an alert that the 21st CCLC may be at risk of defunding. He wrote:

“President Trump's full education budget proposal came out last Friday evening, clearly eliminating dedicated funding for afterschool and summer programs via 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC). The plan levies enormous cuts on the Department of Education that would impact afterschool and summer programs and the youth and families they serve. Now Congress will decide whether to adopt the proposed budget.

Source: New York State Network for Youth Success

21st CCLC supports roughly 10,000 local programs serving 1.4 million across the nation. If Congress adopts the President's budget proposal, 21st CCLC would be lumped with 17 other programs under one grant program of $2 billion—reflecting an almost 70% funding cut compared to the current allocation for these programs. States would be left with far fewer resources to divvy up among many priorities. With $12 billion in cuts to education programs overall, the consolidation effectively eliminates 21st CCLC afterschool and summer program grants.

The budget only outlines the Administration's guidance on funding. It is now the job of Congress to craft spending legislation.

Use the tools at AfterschoolWorksforAmerica.org to help get the word out and engage the public in saving afterschool and summer program funding. 21st CCLC funding supports programs in every state and territory—view this map to see how the proposed cut could impact your state. Read the Afterschool Alliance's blog and statement for more on the budget proposal.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

1. Get the Word Out: Post on social media, local parent and community boards, newsletters – any place where community members might see it. Tag your Congressional representatives so they see it. Here are some samples:

• 'The President’s budget calls for eliminating dedicated federal funding for local afterschool and summer programs. 1 in 5 children may lose their programs nationwide. If you want to keep afterschool and summer programs, send a message to Congress'
• 'Do you count on afterschool programs to keep kids safe and engaged? Local programs serving 1.4 million youth nationwide may close if Congress does not act - the President’s budget cuts federal funding for local afterschool and summer programs. Programs run by schools, community organizations, parks and rec centers, and more will suffer. Tell Congress to save afterschool and keep kids protected.' 

To keep up to date on the latest developments, join the Policy Pulse! Every second Friday at noon ET, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don’t know!) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next. To register, click here.

2. Engage Families: Educate families about what’s at risk and encourage them to take action.

• Ask families to email Congress. Include a note in your emails or on social media posts asking families to contact Congress: 'Kids and families across our state may lose their afterschool and summer programs if Congress agrees to the federal proposal to cut all funding for local programs. As many as 1 in 5 youth may be affected, including kids and programs in our state. Please take a moment to use this Action Center to have an email sent to our Congressional representatives reminding them how important our programs are.' 



3. Collect postcards or letters: Distribute postcards or letter templates families can fill out with a personal note and their information. Deliver the messages to the local offices of your Congressional representatives. Mail the letters or hand deliver them – along with an invite to visit your program! Get Afterschool Alliance's postcard design and petition here.

• TIP: Make it fun! Consider running a contest or setting a goal and prize around the number of letters collected/sent.

4. Host a Site Visit: There’s no better way to showcase the power and value of afterschool than showing people first hand. Invite your representatives in Congress and their staff to come visit your program. You do not need to get the Member of Congress there – having one of their staff join can be incredibly powerful. Our site visit toolkit helps you each step of the way, from preparing and planning, to drafting invitations, to following up after a great visit! 

5. Generate Media Interest: Let media know that afterschool and summer programs are at risk. Send a letter to the editor (we will post a template soon). If your program receives federal funds, like a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, alert local education reporters, bloggers, and community boards about the prospect of your program closing. More media tips on the Afterschool Alliance website can be found here.

Source: Afterschool Alliance

RESEARCH SHOWS AFTERSCHOOL WORKS

• National fact sheet on afterschool: This Is Afterschool (2025)
• Get the facts: 21st Century Community Learning Centers Brief (2025)
• Make the case: Research on the Impact of Afterschool and Summer Programs Brief (2024)
• Results are in: Voters Say Afterschool Programs are a Necessity Brief (2025)
• Show the economic benefits: Afterschool Programs Strengthen the Economy Fact Sheet (2025)
• See more research at afterschoolalliance.org.”