Trump freezes key funding for school and summer programs

Photo of Anna Samoylova in Unsplash

The U.S. Department of Education announced the freeze of more than $6 billion in federal grants for summer camps, after-school programs, English language instruction, adult literacy, and teacher training. The measure, part of an administration review to align spending with President Trump's priorities, leaves states and schools uncertain about the future of these funds.

Organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America warned that without access to the funding they expected by July 1, they could be forced to suspend activities mid-season. Their president, Jim Clark, warned that up to 926 clubs could close, affecting more than 220,000 children.

In Gadsden, Alabama, Principal Janie Browning said losing this support would mean the closure of after-school programs for more than 1,200 low-income students and the potential loss of 75 jobs.

Groups like the Afterschool Alliance were also emphatic: “The impact will be swift and devastating.” Furthermore, Democratic lawmakers, like Senator Patty Murray, called the action a violation of the law and pushed for the immediate release of the funds.

Which programs are at risk?

Frozen grants include:

• 21st Century Community Learning Centers: a key program for school and summer activities, with more than 10,000 initiatives supported.
• $2 billion in teacher professional development and class size reduction.
• $1 billion for academic enrichment programs.
• $890 million for teaching English as a second language.
• $376 million for children of migrant workers.
• $715 million for adult literacy.

Some districts (such as California and Texas) already had hundreds of thousands of dollars at risk. Local agencies and officials warn that the delay could cause "lasting damage to the economy" and are pushing for the funds approved by Congress to be respected.

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Sources:

• AP News