Afterschool works for America. Use these tools to let your policymakers know!

On May 2, 2025, the White House released a proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget that appears to eliminate all federal funding for afterschool programs. By zeroing out funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, the proposed budget puts 1.4 million children across the United States at risk of losing their afterschool programs.

We know that afterschool keeps children safe, inspires them to learn and grow, and gives working parents peace of mind. While the presidential administration can make recommendations about federal spending, it’s up to Congress to decide what is and is not funded. The decision resides with our policymakers—so they need to hear from advocates everywhere that afterschool works for America!

Our new website, AfterschoolWorksforAmerica.org, contains everything afterschool supporters need to make the case to protect federal funding for afterschool programs. On the site, friends of afterschool can:

• Reach members of Congress directly with a message of support for afterschool and summer programs

• Learn what the proposed cuts mean each state, and how many young people are at risk of losing their programs

• Download social media graphics, printable postcard designs, and a petition to rally support from the community

• Sign up to stay in the loop on all things afterschool policy

• Get the facts and hard data about the impact afterschool has on students’ success, on the future workforce, and on today’s economy

Visit AfterschoolWorksforAmerica.org to make the case to Congress that our students and families need these essential programs.