21st CCLC Funding Freeze

Federal funding for afterschool and summer learning is under serious threat.

On July 1, states were to receive their 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funding for this year’s summer and upcoming school year afterschool programs. The Administration is withholding the funds, leaving states and programs and scrambling to find ways to keep programs running. The Office of Management and Budget has said it is reviewing 21st CCLC, and has provided no timeline or next steps. The funding for states was committed in the bipartisan FY25 funding bill passed by Congress and signed into law by the President on March 15, 2025.

Increased costs and growing demand make continued federal support more critical than ever. Now that the administration has released its proposal, it's up to Congress to decide what gets funded—and they need to hear from you.

Here’s how you can help:

Use the 21st CCLC Funding Freeze Advocacy Toolkit to speak up for afterschool and summer learning programs.

• Sign the Afterschool Alliance’s Release Funds for Local Summer and Afterschool Programs Petition.

• Use the form below from the Afterschool Alliance to share your story and explain how this federal delay is impacting your program, staff, and the youth you serve.

  • Current Policy Environment Impacts

• Call or email your U.S. Senators and Representatives and urge them to encourage the White House to release 21st CCLC funds immediately and 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

  • 21st CCLC Funding Freeze Sample Letter to Congress

  • 21st CCLC Calling Script for Congress

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

  • 2025 Afterschool Works Petition

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

  • Tips for Conducting A Legislative Visit

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

  • 21st CCLC Letter to the Editor Template

• Use the sample posts below to share this information with your networks.

  • 21st CCLC Funding Freeze Social Media Content

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