The LACER Afterschool Newsroom
US Department of Education withholds Current Funding
July 4, 2025
An Update and a Call to Action -
So much is happening, ICE raids throughout our community, the many issues in the bill that has just passed, and the delay in payment for 2025 services from the Department of Ed that have already been allocated.
As of July 1, the U.S. Department of Education notified states nationwide that they will not receive anticipated funding for local afterschool and summer programs.
Congress had already appropriated $6.2 billion for K-12 schools nationwide for fiscal year 2025. The President signed the spending bill in March. However, the federal government has said it is holding the funds for review, with no timeline or process shared for this review.
The funding is titled “21st CLCC,” and it provides the only dedicated funding stream for high school students participating in after-school and summer learning programs. However, $146 million in already-allocated funds is now being held for no discernible reason.
I received a message from LAUSD yesterday stating that the summer programs already underway will be covered and fully reimbursed, as contracted. This is a huge gift to all of us, so shout out to LAUSD, the city of Los Angeles, and the work the Governor is doing on behalf of after-school providers. This terrible and illegal move by the Dept. of Ed. is just starting to get traction in the press, as Governors and Congress Members are beginning to speak out.
Continued delay of these funds could lead to dire consequences for the 2025-26 school year.
Potential layoffs of program staff and/or delays in hiring
No dedicated funding for high school after-school and summer programs in 2026
A significant cut to California's essential after-school infrastructure through cuts to the California Department of Education
Unprecedented havoc for schools and community-based organizations as they try to run summer programs and plan for fall after-school programs
Disruption for families counting on safe summer programs for their children
TAKE ACTION: below are a few things you can do to get the word out. Use whatever platform you have - via Social Media, email, or call.
Sign a petition urging the immediate release of allocated funds:
Find your Members of Congress easily – just type in your address, then call or email them with the links below
The links below will take you to suggested talking points to cover when you call or email your Congress Member's office.
Current Bill Wipes Out After-School Funding Nationwide
July 2, 2025
The President’s Bill has moved from the Senate with a tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance and back to the House for final review. I must highlight the elimination of after-school program funding (21st CCLC) currently in this bill - defunding crucial programming across the country. This funding supports kids across America with a daily meal and a safe space after school with homework help, sports, classes in the arts, and in the case of the LACER Afterschool Programs, Drivers’ Education, Cooking Classes, in-depth music and dance programs, Sports Tournaments for girls and boys, and so much more. These programs feed millions, raise grades, encourage school attendance, build self-confidence, and lead to graduation. PLEASE stand in solidarity with school leaders, families, and community providers across the country, like the LACER Afterschool Programs, who are directly impacted by these harmful and unjust actions. We are grateful that California leaders are standing unified and taking immediate legal action to protect California students.
TAKE ACTION TODAY
Notify your community and policymakers on social media.
Find your Congress Member: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
Write your Congress Member: https://democracy.io/#!/
FUNDS WITHELD: Important Federal Budget Updates & Impacts
July 1, 2025 / Afterschool Alliance
Yesterday afternoon (June 30), the US Department of Education notified state education agencies that the congressionally appropriated and mandated funds that were set to be released on July 1st (today!) are being withheld to review that they are in accordance with the President’s priorities. This is illegal, unprecedented, and wrong.
Congress appropriated these funds, the President signed them, and the allocations are set by a statutory formula – there should be no need to review or delay. The $6.2 billion that are being withheld across the country will affect programs including 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Supporting Effective Instruction and Academic Enrichment, Migrant Education, and English Language Acquisition.
In California, over $800 million in federal funding is being withheld, which represents about 17% of California’s federal education budget. $146 million in 21st Century Community Learning Center funding will be held, which provides the funding for summer programs that started today and is the only dedicated funding stream for high school students in after-school and summer learning programs.
California Impacts
This funding supports summer programs that are already underway, and there could be immediate cancellations of summer programs.
Potential layoffs of program staff and/or delays in hiring.
No dedicated funding for after-school and summer programs for high school students.
A significant cut to California’s essential afterschool infrastructure via cuts to the California Department of Education and the system of support.
Unprecedented havoc for schools and community-based organizations trying to operate summer programs now and plan for fall after-school programs.
Take Action!
Now is the time to contact all Members of Congress where you have programs in operation and to sign the Afterschool Alliance’s petition demanding the release of these funds.
Notify your community and policymakers on social media.
Find your Congress Member: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
Write your Congress Member: https://democracy.io/#!/
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Performing Arts Classes and Workshops.
Athletic Programming for girls and boys.
Homework Help and Tutoring.
Cooking/Culinary Classes.
Field Trips.
A safe space to make life-long friends.
press release:
Mark taper foundation gift will provide after school services to more than 4,000 los angeles students
Jan. 27, 2020
A generous grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation will fund the purchase of needed equipment and the salaries of academic tutors, teaching artists and sports’ coaches at eight LAUSD Title 1 schools served by L.A.C.E.R. Afterschool Programs.
The students attend King, Bancroft, Le Conte and Irving Middle Schools, Hollywood, Fairfax, Marshall and North Hollywood High Schools. They all attend the L.A.C.E.R. after school programs at their respective schools and participate in the Homework Club, arts and sports classes funded by the grant.
PRESS RELEASE:
Wilbur May Foundation Pledges 1 Million To Keep The Arts Accessible to LA Youth
Feb. 22, 2018
Los Angeles, CA - (Feb. 22, 2018) - The Wilbur May Foundation, has granted the L.A.C.E.R. Afterschool Programs an unprecedented gift of 1 million dollars. In 2013, the foundation pledged $500,000, and in 2018, they renewed their pledge with another $500,000, thus donating 1 million dollars to keep arts opportunities available every day after school. The arts programming created by the grant has been named the Wilbur May Foundation ARTstars, Connecting Youth Through the Arts.
Los Angeles Times:
LACER Afterschool Programs give students a reason to go to class
By Taylor Goldenstein I Dec. 21, 2014
Aaron Cornejo could hardly believe it when he saw his report card with all A’s and Bs for the first time.
“I had to look at my report card again like ‘I actually have those grades?’” said Cornejo, 17. “I told myself if I could do this, I’m capable of doing more stuff.”
Before joining one of the LACER (Literacy, Arts, Culture, Education and Recreation) Afterschool Programs in the sixth grade, Cornejo said he used to come home from school and plop down in front of the TV.