HUTCHINSON, Kan. (July 2, 2025) – CALL ON CONGRESS TO GET AFTER-SCHOOL FUNDING RELEASED TO THE STATES
On June 30, the Department of Education notified state agencies that 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funding would not be distributed by July 1 as it historically has been for decades.
What the Loss of Funds Would Mean for Our Clubs
The decision to withhold 21st CCLC funds — despite Congressional approval for FY25 — threatens to unravel a decades-long, bipartisan investment in youth development. This is an unprecedented action that will impact nearly 1.4 million children and families across the country, including the more than 750 Club kids who attend the Boys & Girls Club of Hutchinson.
If these funds are not released, our Clubs face a significant financial impact—we budgeted to receive $155,538 in 21st CCLC funding from July to December 2025, and an additional $156,117 from January to June 2026. While we have been contingency planning in the event of future cuts, we were not anticipating any changes until mid-2026.
For the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson, failure to release this funding will result in reduced enrollment numbers, longer waitlists, unfilled positions, and reduced spending on programs and supplies.
Nationwide, thousands of Club kids and millions of other young people are counting on Congress to protect funding for this vital program — and we’re counting on you to ask Congress to do so. Please, call your members of Congress and urge them to do everything in their power to get this funding released!
The Impact of 21st CCLC Funds
Results show that 21st CCLC sites are good for kids. Nationally, students show better attendance, stronger engagement, and improved academic outcomes, with 70% completing more homework and nearly half overcoming chronic absenteeism.
We’re deeply grateful for this funding that helps young people achieve real results — all while providing safe, supportive environments staffed by caring professionals, so parents and caregivers can work with confidence. The impact goes beyond kids: for every $1 invested in Boys & Girls Clubs, communities see an average return of $10.
Just like any organization, Boys & Girls Clubs depend on financial commitments to operate — to recruit talent, deliver services, and meet the needs of families we serve daily. If these funds are blocked, Hutchinson kids will lose access to essential supports like caring mentors and safe spaces during the most vulnerable hours of the day.
This isn’t a partisan issue. Please join us in putting kids first. Call on Congress to act swiftly and release the funds that families are already counting on. Hutchinson needs Club kids and Club kids need you — especially right now.
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