US Restores $1.3B Federal After-School Funding Nationwide

The Trump Administration initially froze nearly $7 billion in federal education funding, including $1.3 billion allocated for after-school and summer programs under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, causing widespread uncertainty among schools and nonprofits. After pressure from Republican senators and state education officials, the U.S. Department of Education restored the $1.3 billion for after-school programs to support low-income and high-poverty schools across multiple states including Colorado, Florida, Georgia, and North Dakota. This funding restoration allows organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs to resume recruitment and programming activities, including hiring certified teachers and providing tutoring and hands-on projects. State leaders expressed relief but emphasized the need for the release of all other withheld education funds to avoid further disruption in local schools and communities. The frozen funds had threatened to impact thousands of students, educators, and families relying on these programs for enrichment and support. Officials stressed that these programs enjoy bipartisan support and are essential for student learning and enabling parents to work, urging fiscal responsibility while ensuring that congressionally approved funds are fully disbursed.