An administrative fight is heating up over the Trump team’s decision to block over $6 billion in education grants. More than 20 states have filed a lawsuit to restore funding for after-school programs, summer camps, and other learning opportunities, mostly for students from low-income families.
One major program affected is the 21st Century Community Learning Centres initiative. This program helps about 1.4 million children by offering free tutoring, enrichment activities, and childcare through organisations such as Boys & Girls Clubs, the YMCA, and public schools.
Republican-controlled areas are particularly suffering from the freeze. Republican congressional districts are home to 91 of the 100 school districts that receive the most funding from these grants, according to a report by the left-leaning think tank New America. States like Georgia, Florida, West Virginia, and California are home to a large number of these districts.
The Trump administration says the pause on funding is to make sure that the programs match the president’s priorities. The Office of Management and Budget mentioned concerns about how the money is being used, including whether the programs support undocumented immigrants or LGBTQ+ inclusion.
IMMINENT CLOSURES WITHOUT FUNDS
Across the country, local organisations are struggling to keep their programs running. In Rhode Island, the state government had to step in with emergency money to keep summer camps open. But other groups say they may not be able to survive much longer.
The Boys & Girls Club of America, which has 926 clubs, warned that some of their locations might start closing within weeks if the funding isn’t released. The YMCA and Save the Children have also said that many of their centres are at risk.
“Time is of the essence,” said Christy Gleason from Save the Children Action Network. Her organisation supports after-school programs in 41 rural schools across Washington state and the southern US, where school begins as early as August.
Even some Republican officials are worried. Georgia schools superintendent Richard Woods, a Republican, said, “I deeply believe in fiscal responsibility, which means evaluating the use of funds and seeking out efficiencies, but also means being responsible — releasing funds already approved by Congress and signed by President Trump.”
Many fear that if the delay continues, working parents will lose valuable support, and children will miss out on safe and enriching spaces after school. Programs like these offer not only learning but also meals, supervision, and safety.
Christy Gleason added, “It’s not too late to make a decision so the kids who really need this still have it.”
– Ends
With inputs from AP
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