Recent news of the Trump Administration withholding $6.8 billion in FY25 federal education funding, including $1.4 billion intended for before- and afterschool programs through Title IV Part B, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), is unacceptable. Communities across Vermont know that afterschool and summer programs are providing invaluable learning opportunities for young people – keeping them safe, inspiring them to learn and grow, and giving working families peace of mind. It raises concerns about the potential ripple effects on student learning, family stability, and community engagement.
Congress appropriated, and all 50 states and D.C. have already committed these funds to individual afterschool and summer learning programs, most of which are expecting their grants now. By holding back these funds, the Administration is disregarding the needs of students and families at a crucial time of the year, the ramifications of which will be felt for years to come.
Please contact Congress today to tell them this is NOT OK.
In Vermont, the impact of not receiving these funds will be felt deeply. Ninety-four individual afterschool and summer program locations throughout the state, serving 11,000 youth, are currently supported by the 21st CCLC funding.
Afterschool programs play a vital role in the learning ecosystem for millions of children across the United States. According to the America After 3PM report from the Afterschool Alliance, 24.7 million children would participate in an afterschool program if one were available to them. This demand far outpaces supply, leaving nearly 1 in 2 families struggling to access opportunities that support academic achievement, social development, and family economic stability.
In Vermont, more than 26,000 children and youth are waiting to get into a program, and 91% of parents overall agree that afterschool programs provide working parents with peace of mind. Nationally, parents report overwhelmingly positive outcomes from these programs:
● 89% say afterschool helps their child learn life skills.
● 89% say it prevents risky behaviors and exposure to negative influences in-person and online.
● 90% say afterschool helps children catch up academically and socially.
Afterschool programs often go beyond academics. Many offer meals, physical activity, mentoring, STEM exploration, and safe environments during peak hours for juvenile crime and risky behavior. In fact, juvenile crime peaks between 3 and 6 p.m.—the same hours afterschool programs operate.
Access to these programs is uneven, especially in rural areas, tribal communities, and among low-income families. The America After 3PM report notes that children from low-income households are more likely to attend a program where staff help with homework, provide healthy snacks, and offer enrichment activities—but are also more likely to lose access when funding is unstable.
While this funding pause may be temporary, the implications are significant. It introduces uncertainty for schools and community organizations that plan and staff these programs months in advance. More importantly, it adds to the structural challenges that have long affected availability and affordability of quality afterschool options.
As the conversation around federal education budgets continues, it is important to understand the role of afterschool programs in supporting the whole child and the whole community. These programs represent more than enrichment—they represent opportunity, safety, and connection for millions of families nationwide.
Please contact Congress today to tell them this is NOT OK.
~Nicole Miller
Executive Director
Vermont Afterschool
