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. 

The President’s FY27 Budget Request proposes to eliminate dedicated funding for 21st CCLC and collapse the program into a new Make Education Great Again (MEGA) grant which consolidates the majority of the Department of Education’s elementary and secondary education grant programs. The House Appropriations Committee proposes $1.329 billion for the program, which is level funding from FY26. There is no Senate action yet.

Ask your Member of Congress to oppose the proposed consolidation in the President’s budget and maintain at least enacted funding levels for 21st CCLC in the FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.