We at the Y believe that every kid deserves to reach their full potential. But right now, summer learning and before and afterschool programs that help vulnerable kids are facing drastic cuts, leaving kids in need at risk – right when they need the most support.
Congress is working on the Fiscal Year 2018 budget now and through the summer. The Administration’s proposed FY18 budget calls for the elimination of the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) program, which funds local afterschool and summer programs – including many programs at Ys across the country. Final budget decisions are made by Congress and we must let them know that there is a high cost to these cuts – specifically the loss of critical services for nearly two million children and families in need.
Contact your representatives today, and urge them to protect 21st CCLC funding.
Dear Congressmember:
Please support summer learning and before and afterschool programs by funding the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant program at or above the current funding level of $1.19 billion. This funding will ensure that two million children continue to benefit from local school-community partnerships that provide quality summer learning and afterschool opportunities.
The President's budget calls for eliminating 21st CCLC, which funds locally-designed summer and afterschool programs. As Congress works to finalize, authorize and pass an FY18 budget, please protect this important program.
Summer learning and afterschool programs support working families, enhance the education and well-being of children and help build the future workforce. These programs enhance what kids learn during school and create new experiences that give them opportunities to explore STEM careers; participate in service learning projects; develop decision-making, problem-solving, critical thinking and communications; and so much more. Additionally, they keep young people safe during the out of school hours when juvenile crime peaks
21st CCLC funds support school-community partnerships designed to meet the academic and enrichment needs of students during the summer months and during before and afterschool. In addition to supporting local efforts to improve student outcomes, families across the nation rely on 21st CCLC to help keep kids safe and engaged. Eliminating this important program could leave nearly two million children and families without reliable summer and afterschool choices.
[your comment here]
Please, support quality afterschool and summer learning programs by maintaining funding for the 21st CCLC program at the FY 2017 level.
Sincerely,
[your name]
