As of July 1, 2025, nearly 10,000 local afterschool and summer programs may not open because the federal government is withholding states’ 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funding — despite the program being fully funded and signed into law as part of the bipartisan FY 2025 spending bill on March 15, 2025.
This unexpected and unexplained delay is already threatening services for nearly 1.4 million students, leaving working parents without support and putting at risk essential programs like academic enrichment, STEM, healthy meals, and safe spaces after school.
On June 30, the Administration notified states that 21st CCLC funds — and several other education grants — are being held for internal review, without any timeline or explanation. Funds should have been released on July 1.
✉️ Urge Immediate Action
Contact your Governor, your members of Congress, and your state’s Attorney General right now. Ask them to pressure the White House to immediately release your state’s 21st CCLC funds using an easy online form from the Afterschool Alliance.
This funding delay affects real children, real families, and real programs. Don't let bureaucratic inaction close the doors of afterschool and summer learning opportunities across the country.