21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) is the only federal funding stream dedicated solely to before-school, afterschool, and summer learning programs. This funding goes directly to states, who distribute to local schools, community-based organizations, park and recreation departments, and more to provide high-quality, locally-driven programming for students. Currently, more than 10,000 21st CCLC programs serve nearly 1.4 million students and their families across every state – and demand for these programs far exceeds the supply.

For more than 25 years, 21st CCLCs have helped students – many of whom are from underserved communities – learn and grow while allowing their parents to work and contribute to local economies. Students enrolled in 21st CCLC programs are more engaged in learning, have improved GPAs and test scores, and decreased instances of chronic absenteeism and in-school suspensions. 

Despite its successes, the President’s FY26 Budget Request eliminates dedicated funding for 21st CCLC and collapses the program into a block grant with other K-12 programs with dramatically reduced funding. 21st CCLC has also faced FY25 funding delays that, while now resolved, put programs behind in hiring, outreach, and other work needed to fulfill their essential mission.  

Ask your Member of Congress to support the bipartisan FY26 Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill that rejects the proposed consolidation in the President’s budget and maintains enacted funding levels for 21st CCLC.