On May 2, 2025, the President released the proposed skinny budget for fiscal year (FY) 2026. The proposal appears to consolidate or eliminate funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) — the only federal funding stream dedicated exclusively to afterschool and summer learning programs.

The Forum for Youth Investment, through our various initiatives, has long championed federal support for afterschool and summer learning. We are deeply concerned about the potential impact of this budget proposal and urge Congress to take action to protect these essential programs.

21^st CCLC, authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, provides formula funding to support local programs serving nearly 1.4 million children across the nation. These funds support academic enrichment activities outside of school hours, operating for high-poverty and low-performing schools and their families. Eliminating this funding would leave approximately 1 in 5 students without access to critical before-school, afterschool, and summer learning opportunities.

A recent study from Deborah Vandell of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), which followed the development of 1,300 people from birth to age 26, found: “Youth who consistently participate in afterschool programs from elementary school through adolescence show significantly better outcomes in adulthood, including higher educational attainment, income, and occupational status by age 26.” Not only are these programs critical for youth who participate in them, but they also serve as critical support for working parents and caregivers.

The stakes are high. Diminishing or eliminating these programs could be catastrophic for the millions of children, youth, and families who are supported by them.

The good news? Congress has the opportunity to safeguard youth academic achievement and well-being through investments in afterschool and summer learning programs by ensuring that 21st CCLCs are a continued part of the FY 2026 budget. The President is expected to release a full, detailed budget proposal later this month. The Forum will remain actively engaged in the conversation and continue advocating for strong federal support for afterschool and summer learning.