President Trump's proposed 'skinny' budget for fiscal year (FY) 2026 appears to eliminate dedicated funding for afterschool and summer programs via 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) and levies enormous cuts on the Department of Education and other agencies that support afterschool and summer programs and the youth and families they serve.

21st CCLC supports THOUSANDS of local programs serving nearly 1.4 million nationwide, including 23,360 children in Virginia. The President's proposal appears to eliminate 21st CCLC entirely or collapse 21st CCLC into a consolidated grant program, lumping 18 programs together in a total fund of $2 billion to be provided to the states. With $12 billion in cuts to education programs overall, the consolidation effectively eliminates 21st CCLC afterschool and summer program grants.

What Can You Do?

• Mark your calendars for tomorrow, May 6th, to participate in the Afterschool For All Challenge 2025 by contacting your members of Congress and urge them to protect 21st CCLC funding.

• Ask your friends and family in other states to do the same by contacting their members of Congress

• Show your support on May 6th for a national day of action to raise our collective voice in support of afterschool programs and tell Congress to protect kids' afterschool and keep funding for 21st CCLC.

21st CCLC supports programs in every state and territory. View this map to see how the proposed cut could impact Virginia.

The Afterschool Alliance has launched a campaign, AfterschoolWorksforAmerica.org, to help get the word out and engage the public in saving afterschool and summer program funding.

• Use their tools to email Congress

• Share on social media

• Spread the word to your networks

Every voice can make a difference. Let's collectively create a change for our children, families, and communities across Virginia and our nation. They deserve access to these programs.