21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)

Investing in Michigan’s Youth, Families, and Communities

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program is the only federal funding stream dedicated exclusively to supporting local afterschool and summer learning programs. In Michigan, these funds help thousands of youth access safe, engaging, and enriching opportunities outside the school day—right in their own communities.

What is 21st CCLC?

21st CCLC provides grants to schools, youth-serving organizations, and community partners to offer high-quality out-of-school time (OST) programs for youth, particularly those in high-poverty and low-performing school districts. Programs support academic achievement, build social-emotional skills, and offer activities like STEM, arts, sports, and career exploration—all while providing a safe place for youth to learn and grow.

Why It Matters in Michigan

Across the state:

• More than 16,000 youth and families benefit from 21st CCLC programs each year.

• Programs serve as essential supports for working families, helping bridge the gap between school and home.

• The demand far exceeds supply—more than 750,000 youth in Michigan would participate in afterschool programs if they were available.

Impact

21st Century Community Learning Centers deliver far more than just homework help—they are a powerful driver of youth success, community strength, and economic opportunity in Michigan. These programs:

• Improve academic performance and school engagement.

• Support student mental health and social-emotional development.

• Strengthen workforce skills and career readiness.

• Engage families and communities in youth success.

Help Protect This Critical Funding

A newly released federal budget proposal for FY2027 would eliminate funding for 21st CCLC—the only federal funding stream dedicated to afterschool and summer programs.

This proposal puts programs at risk across the country and here in Michigan, where young people and families rely on afterschool every day.

Afterschool programs are essential infrastructure. They support young people’s growth, keep them safe during critical hours, and help families stay connected to work. Across Michigan, caregivers consistently report that these programs build life skills, support well-being, and provide peace of mind.

At a time when demand is high and access is already limited, eliminating funding would deepen existing gaps and reduce opportunities for young people across our state.

Here’s how you can help:

• Call or email your U.S. Senators and Representatives and urge them to encourage the White House to fully fund 21st CCLC. Share with them the importance of 21st CCLC and afterschool programs here in Michigan, and how these cuts would impact your community.

  • Find your members of Congress

  • 21st CCLC Talking Points

  • Afterschool Alliance’s Petition

• Print a petition to gather signatures at your program or events. Then photocopy and mail it to your members of Congress.

  • Afterschool Works Petition

• Send a postcard to Congress letting them know why afterschool matters in your community.

  • Save 21st CCLC Funding Postcard

• Invite your Congressional representatives or their staff to visit your program. Seeing it firsthand is a powerful way to show the impact of afterschool.

  • Host a site visit

• Use this editable letter to raise awareness in your local media.

  • 21st CCLC Letter to the Editor Template

• Share on social media to raise awareness and encourage others to take action.

  • Sample Social Media Posts

Your voice can help protect Michigan’s youth, working families, and community programs from devastating cuts.