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Congress poised to resolve FY 2024 spending with 6-bill package, including support for afterschool and summer programs

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Congress poised to resolve FY 2024 spending with 6-bill package, including support for afterschool and summer programs

Update, March 25, 2024:The Senate passed the measure early Saturday morning, and the bill has been signed into law by President Biden.

Update, March 22, 2024: The House of Representatives passed the FY 2024 six-bill package on Friday morning by a vote of 286-134. Read the statement by Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance.

Six months after the 2024 fiscal year (FY) began, Congress is working to pass the second of two packages of FY 2024 spending bills before midnight on Friday, March 22, 2024, when the fourth short-term FY 2024 continuing resolution expires. Lengthy negotiations between both parties and both chambers have resulted in the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, a $1.2 trillion FY 2024 six bill spending package that would fund the remaining half of the federal government through September 30, 2024. (The first consolidated spending bill passed two weeks ago.) This new spending bill invests a total of $1.329 billion for local afterschool and summer learning programs across all 50 states and territories. That’s the same level of funding for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative as last year. Given that the Department of Education is subject to a cut of $500 million, maintaining last year’s funding level is appreciated. However,  because of increased costs associated with offering high quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities and the increased demand for programs, level funding will mean less afterschool and summer opportunities, and afterschool advocates urge Congress to increase funding in FY 2025.

The FY 2024 Labor- Health and Human Services-Education (Labor-HHS) spending bill – one of six in the package along with Defense; Financial Services and General Government; Homeland Security; Labor, Legislative Branch; and, State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs – provides $225.4 billion for federal programs and activities. Specifically, for the Department of Education, the legislation provides a total of $79.1 billion in discretionary appropriations. This includes $18.4 billion for Title I formula funding to schools, which is an increase of $20 million over FY 2023. Title I funds can be used to support numerous local needs, including afterschool and summer learning programs. The bill supports early education and child care by investing $8.7 billion in the Child Care and Development Block Grant, an increase of $725 million above fiscal year 2023; these funds that can be used to support school-age students up to age 13.

Specific proposed funding levels for education programs that support afterschool and summer learning and enrichment include:

  • The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers: $1.329 billion, level with the 2023 enacted level. The 21st CCLC program annually serves students in every state at more than 10,479 sites across the U.S.
     
  • Title I Funding to Local Education Agencies: $18.4 billion, an increase of $20 million above the 2023 enacted level. Title I provides basic and flexible funding to low-income school districts to improve student outcomes. Schools are able to spend Title I funds on afterschool and summer learning programs.
     
  • Title IV Full Service Community Schools: $150 million, level with FY 2023, to provide comprehensive services and expand evidence-based models that meet the holistic needs of children, families, and communities, including out-of-school time programs.
     
  • Promise Neighborhoods: $91 million, level with FY 2023, for grants to increase access to great schools and strong systems of family and community support that will prepare students to attain an excellent education and successfully transition to college and a career. Afterschool and summer can be one component of these efforts.
     
  • Title IV Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants: $1.38 billion, level with the 2023 enacted level. These funds for school districts established under ESSA support activities that provide students with a well-rounded education, ensure safe and supportive learning environments, and use technology to improve instruction. Allowable uses for the grant include support for afterschool STEM activities. 
     
  • Child Care Access Means Parents in School: $75 million, level with the 2023 enacted level.
     
  • TRIO and GEAR UP: $1.2 billion for Federal TRIO programs, level with the 2023 enacted level. Additionally, $388 million for GEAR UP, also level with the 2023 enacted level. Both programs help high school youth prepare and access higher education.
     
  • Federal Work Study: $1.2 billion, equal with the 2023 enacted level. Federal Work Study can be used to support college students working in community-based afterschool programs.
     
  • Career, Technical Education (CTE): $2.2 billion, a decrease of $10 million compared to the FY 2023 level, for Career, Technical and Adult Education CTE program. CTE programs can partner with community-based afterschool providers to provide workforce development and career exploration programs. The decrease reflects a smaller appropriation in the CTE National Programs funding level.
     
  • Statewide Family Engagement Centers: $20 million, level with FY 2023 funding, for these grants which provide financial support to organizations that provide technical assistance and training to state educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) in the implementation and enhancement of systemic and effective family engagement policies, programs, and activities.
     
  • Education Innovation and Research (EIR): $259 million, a decrease of $25 from FY 2023. Within the total for EIR, the bill specifies that $87 million will go to provide
    grants for social and emotional learning (SEL) and $87 million will fund grants for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and computer science education
    activities.

Proposed funding levels for afterschool and summer related programs in the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Labor, Corporation for National and Community Service, Department of Justice and other agencies include:

  • Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG): $8.7 billion, an increase of $725 million above fiscal year 2023. CCDBG supports children from age 0 through 13, about 45 percent of which are school-age children.
     
  • Mental health resources – within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – for mental health supports - the bill includes $2.8 billion, an increase of $20 million over fiscal year 2023, including $99 million for the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative, an increase of $5 million above fiscal year 2023; and $520 million for 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Services, an increase of $18 million above fiscal year 2023. These funds support school-and-campus-based mental health services and support, including increasing student access to evidence-based, culturally relevant, trauma support services and mental health care through established partnerships with community organizations.
     
  • Community Services Block Grant: $770 million, level with FY 2023 funding. Funds support services and activities for individuals and families with low incomes that alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities and can include support for afterschool and summer learning programs.
     
  • Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS): $1.3 billion for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), a decrease of $50 million compared to fiscal year 2023. CNCS supports AmeriCorps and VISTA that are a key asset for hundreds of afterschool programs. Of the CNCS budget, $557 million for AmeriCorps State and National Grants is included, equal to fiscal year 2023.
     
  • Career Pathways for Youth Grants: $20 million, level with FY 2023, for grants to support national out-of-school time organizations that serve youth and teens and place an emphasis on age-appropriate workforce readiness programming to expand job training and workforce pathways for youth and disconnected youth.

In addition, at least $290 million in education-related Community Project Funding, funding that goes to specific projects at the behest of Members, was included in the bill. An analysis of how much of this funding went to support afterschool and summer youth serving programs is forthcoming.

In addition to funding levels, the bill contains Report Language in a number of areas, including requesting the Department of Education to report to Congress on state education agency priorities related to 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant competitions in an effort to determine potential barriers for programs accessing funds.

The House plans to vote on the bill on Friday, March 21, although there are challenges for those who support the bill’s speedy passage. Senate approval will quickly follow. Current funding expires at midnight on Friday, meaning a brief government shutdown may occur over the weekend.

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BY: Erik Peterson      07/22/24

FY 2024 Appropriations update: Six spending bills passed; new deadline for education spending

Crisis averted. Yet again. The first week of March was another “shutdown week” in Washington, D.C. However, by week’s end, the House and Senate had passed a package of six appropriations bills that headed off a partial federal government shutdown, as funding for four spending...

BY: Erik Peterson      03/13/24

State budget roundup for afterschool: Part 1

Last year saw the addition of four states – Minnesota, Texas, New Mexico, and Michigan – to the growing list of states investing in afterschool and summer programming. This year, with the majority of state legislative sessions coming to a close, we can add four more to that total....

BY: Chris Neitzey      05/22/24

New resource: Designing State Child Care Systems with Intentional Supports for Children and Youth 5-13

The State Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) planning process is in full swing, and states are envisioning how to best provide quality support and access to care for eligible children and youth aged 0-13. It’s a big endeavor, and it truly takes a village. The Administration of...

BY: Jillian Luchner      05/06/24

New York takes steps to build stronger state afterschool system

By Gabby Schwartz, Policy Coordinator, New York State Network for Youth Success. In February, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced an investment of $100 million in grants for a new afterschool program, the Learning and Enrichment After-school Program Supports (LEAPS). This new program...

BY: Guest Blogger      05/02/24

2024 in review: New state investments help grow support for afterschool and summer

This year, six states were added to the growing list of states investing in afterschool and summer learning programs through their budgets. Colorado, Hawaii, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Virginia have all established new state funding streams for afterschool and summer learning, and Oregon rejoined...

BY: Chris Neitzey      01/09/25

Washington, D.C. Council Committee hearing focuses on universal access to afterschool and summer programs

On November 21 the Washington, D.C. City Council Committee of the Whole held a public hearing on Bill 25-630 “Universal Out of School Time Amendment Act of 2023” and on oversight of out of school time programs. Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant testified in support of...

BY: Erik Peterson      12/03/24

State and local elections 2024: Implications for afterschool programs

As momentum grows at the state and local level to provide much-needed support for afterschool and summer learning programs that inspire learning, keep young people safe and supported, and give parents peace of mind, it is useful to take a look at how the November 2024 state and local election...

BY: Erik Peterson      11/14/24

Increased state-level funding for afterschool and summer programs helps students succeed

State-level funding for afterschool and summer learning programs has increased 20-fold since 2000, with 26 states now collectively providing more than $5 billion in funding for local programs. The growth in state funding for afterschool and summer programs reflects the increased demand for programs...

BY: Erik Peterson      08/20/24

Child care momentum continues with a re-introduced bill for CCDBG

On August 1, Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced the Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2024. The act builds on the current Child Care and Development Block Grant legislation last reauthorized in 2014. Additional co-sponsors include Todd Young (R-IN), Susan...

BY: Jillian Luchner      08/13/24

Pennsylvania approves $11.5 million for local afterschool and summer programs

On July 11, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law the Shapiro-Davis budget creating the Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Program as part of a comprehensive approach to making Pennsylvania communities safer. This represents the first dedicated funding for local...

BY: Erik Peterson      07/22/24

State budget roundup for afterschool: Part 1

Last year saw the addition of four states – Minnesota, Texas, New Mexico, and Michigan – to the growing list of states investing in afterschool and summer programming. This year, with the majority of state legislative sessions coming to a close, we can add four more to that total....

BY: Chris Neitzey      05/22/24

Reconciliation: A tax bill with key implications for families today and tomorrow

A major priority for the new Congress and Administration is tax legislation, which could be on the agenda soon in the form of a reconciliation bill – a special type of bill that requires only 50 votes in the Senate to pass[1]. Reconciliation bills can only be used for changes in mandatory...

BY: Jillian Luchner      02/10/25

New resource: Designing State Child Care Systems with Intentional Supports for Children and Youth 5-13

The State Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) planning process is in full swing, and states are envisioning how to best provide quality support and access to care for eligible children and youth aged 0-13. It’s a big endeavor, and it truly takes a village. The Administration of...

BY: Jillian Luchner      05/06/24

Federal Budget Appropriations Update: Looking ahead at 2025

Photo by Samuel Schroth on Unsplash. While the 119th Congress has officially begun, the landscape is still shaking out in terms of priorities for the new House and Senate education committees. At least one, if not two, budget reconciliation bills are taking shape, extending tax credits and...

BY: Erik Peterson      01/29/25

New York takes steps to build stronger state afterschool system

By Gabby Schwartz, Policy Coordinator, New York State Network for Youth Success. In February, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced an investment of $100 million in grants for a new afterschool program, the Learning and Enrichment After-school Program Supports (LEAPS). This new program...

BY: Guest Blogger      05/02/24

OMB temporarily pauses federal agency grants, loans, and assistance

Update: February 10, 2025: Today the federal judge in the case brought by Attorney Generals in 22 states and the District of Columbia found that the Trump administration has not fully followed his order to unfreeze federal spending and told the White House to release all funds from grants. U.S....

BY: Erik Peterson      01/28/25

Appropriations Update: Continuing Resolution to fund the government through March 2025

Update: Dec. 21, 2024. After a hectic week that included a carefully negotiated deal falling apart, and then another possible continuing resolution (CR) falling apart, the House and Senate both passed a new CR late into the hours of this morning by bipartisan votes, avoiding a government shutdown....

BY: Erik Peterson      12/19/24

It’s time for school-age advocates to raise their voices in state plans

The state child care planning template for the next three years is out! From now until July 1, State Administrative Agencies will be determining how to spend over $12 billion annually in federal Child Care and Development Funds (CCDF) dedicated to helping eligible families find affordable,...

BY: Jillian Luchner      04/19/24

Senate appropriators propose level funding for 21st CCLC in FY 2025

The Senate Appropriations Committee released and marked up their Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) bill on August 1, 2024. The bill proposes $231.34 billion in base discretionary funding for Fiscal Year 2025, and the Committee approved the bill along...

BY: Erik Peterson      08/02/24

Key House subcommittee makes deep cuts to education spending in FY 25

On June 27, the House of Representatives Labor, Health and Human Services, Education (LHHS-ED) and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee marked up its FY 2025 spending bill. Overall, the FY 2025 Labor-Health and Humans Services-Education bill (Labor-H) provides $68.1 billion for Department...

BY: Erik Peterson      06/27/24

Reconciliation: A tax bill with key implications for families today and tomorrow

A major priority for the new Congress and Administration is tax legislation, which could be on the agenda soon in the form of a reconciliation bill – a special type of bill that requires only 50 votes in the Senate to pass[1]. Reconciliation bills can only be used for changes in mandatory...

BY: Jillian Luchner      02/10/25

Congress poised to resolve FY 2024 spending with 6-bill package, including support for afterschool and summer programs

Update, March 25, 2024:The Senate passed the measure early Saturday morning, and the bill has been signed into law by President Biden. Update, March 22, 2024: The House of Representatives passed the FY 2024 six-bill package on Friday morning by a vote of 286-134. Read the statement by Jodi...

BY: Erik Peterson      03/21/24

Federal Budget Appropriations Update: Looking ahead at 2025

Photo by Samuel Schroth on Unsplash. While the 119th Congress has officially begun, the landscape is still shaking out in terms of priorities for the new House and Senate education committees. At least one, if not two, budget reconciliation bills are taking shape, extending tax credits and...

BY: Erik Peterson      01/29/25

OMB temporarily pauses federal agency grants, loans, and assistance

Update: February 10, 2025: Today the federal judge in the case brought by Attorney Generals in 22 states and the District of Columbia found that the Trump administration has not fully followed his order to unfreeze federal spending and told the White House to release all funds from grants. U.S....

BY: Erik Peterson      01/28/25

FY 2024 Appropriations update: Six spending bills passed; new deadline for education spending

Crisis averted. Yet again. The first week of March was another “shutdown week” in Washington, D.C. However, by week’s end, the House and Senate had passed a package of six appropriations bills that headed off a partial federal government shutdown, as funding for four spending...

BY: Erik Peterson      03/13/24

Appropriations Update: Continuing Resolution to fund the government through March 2025

Update: Dec. 21, 2024. After a hectic week that included a carefully negotiated deal falling apart, and then another possible continuing resolution (CR) falling apart, the House and Senate both passed a new CR late into the hours of this morning by bipartisan votes, avoiding a government shutdown....

BY: Erik Peterson      12/19/24

Biden administration releases FY 2025 budget proposal, includes afterschool related increases

Today, the Biden administration released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 discretionary budget request, formally kicking off the FY2025 appropriations process. With regard to afterschool and summer learning support, the proposal requests $1.3 billion for afterschool and summer programs funded through the...

BY: Erik Peterson      03/11/24

Senate appropriators propose level funding for 21st CCLC in FY 2025

The Senate Appropriations Committee released and marked up their Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) bill on August 1, 2024. The bill proposes $231.34 billion in base discretionary funding for Fiscal Year 2025, and the Committee approved the bill along...

BY: Erik Peterson      08/02/24

Key House subcommittee makes deep cuts to education spending in FY 25

On June 27, the House of Representatives Labor, Health and Human Services, Education (LHHS-ED) and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee marked up its FY 2025 spending bill. Overall, the FY 2025 Labor-Health and Humans Services-Education bill (Labor-H) provides $68.1 billion for Department...

BY: Erik Peterson      06/27/24

FY 24 Appropriations update: Continuing Resolution, education spending bills, and… shutdown averted?

Update – Nov. 16, 2023: Last night the ‘two-tiered’ Continuing Resolution that will keep federal funding intact until Jan. 19, 2024, (for Military Construction-VA, Agriculture, Energy and Water, and Transportation-HUDs) and until Feb. 2, 2024, (for all other federal agencies...

BY: Erik Peterson      11/15/23

Congress poised to resolve FY 2024 spending with 6-bill package, including support for afterschool and summer programs

Update, March 25, 2024:The Senate passed the measure early Saturday morning, and the bill has been signed into law by President Biden. Update, March 22, 2024: The House of Representatives passed the FY 2024 six-bill package on Friday morning by a vote of 286-134. Read the statement by Jodi...

BY: Erik Peterson      03/21/24

FY 2024 Appropriations update: Six spending bills passed; new deadline for education spending

Crisis averted. Yet again. The first week of March was another “shutdown week” in Washington, D.C. However, by week’s end, the House and Senate had passed a package of six appropriations bills that headed off a partial federal government shutdown, as funding for four spending...

BY: Erik Peterson      03/13/24

Biden administration releases FY 2025 budget proposal, includes afterschool related increases

Today, the Biden administration released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 discretionary budget request, formally kicking off the FY2025 appropriations process. With regard to afterschool and summer learning support, the proposal requests $1.3 billion for afterschool and summer programs funded through the...

BY: Erik Peterson      03/11/24

Election 2024 results: What may be next for afterschool

As the dust settles from Election Day 2024, the results have various possible implications for public support of afterschool and summer learning programs at the federal, state and local levels. Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant wrote on our blog on Nov. 6, “We will continue...

BY: Erik Peterson      11/13/24

New Department of Education School Improvement Guidance includes afterschool and summer as important strategies

In early September, the White House released two documents that speak to the role that quality afterschool and summer learning programs can and do play in supporting student success. The White House Fact Sheet on Academic Success and the new School Improvement Guidance are complementary and outline...

BY: Erik Peterson      09/20/24

21st CCLC Non-Regulatory Guidance finalized, includes updated information on parent fees

On September 3, the U.S. Department of Education published its final Non-Regulatory Guidance for the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) program. This guidance officially replaces the last edition of guidance published in 2003. The guidance aligns with the updated legislative...

BY: Erik Peterson      09/06/24

FY 25 appropriations process hits its stride, time to advocate for afterschool

After many delays, Congress finished work on fiscal year (FY) 2024 spending bills in late March, allowing lawmakers to immediately turn to the FY 2025 process. The House Appropriations Committee has a new Chairman, both House and Senate Appropriation Committees have released guidance for spending...

BY: Erik Peterson      05/03/24

Congress poised to resolve FY 2024 spending with 6-bill package, including support for afterschool and summer programs

Update, March 25, 2024:The Senate passed the measure early Saturday morning, and the bill has been signed into law by President Biden. Update, March 22, 2024: The House of Representatives passed the FY 2024 six-bill package on Friday morning by a vote of 286-134. Read the statement by Jodi...

BY: Erik Peterson      03/21/24

Linda McMahon nominated to be Secretary of Education for the second Trump Administration

Photo by Gage Skidmore, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0‍ On November 19, the Trump Administration transition team announced Linda McMahon as their nominee for Secretary of Education. McMahon served in the cabinet of the previous Trump Administration as director of the Small Business...

BY: Erik Peterson      12/05/24

White House Domestic Policy Council focuses on summer learning

Photo by René DeAnda on Unsplash On March 13, just days after the administration released their FY 2025 budget proposal, the White House Domestic Policy Council (DPC) hosted a Summer Learning Convening in the White House Executive Office Building. The meeting was kicked off by DPC...

BY: Erik Peterson      03/18/24

Election 2024 results: What may be next for afterschool

As the dust settles from Election Day 2024, the results have various possible implications for public support of afterschool and summer learning programs at the federal, state and local levels. Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant wrote on our blog on Nov. 6, “We will continue...

BY: Erik Peterson      11/13/24

Afterschool and summer learning called out in Improving Student Achievement agenda

Earlier this month the Biden administration announced a new effort focused on providing students with the support they need to accelerate learning and be successful in school and life. The Improving Student Achievement Agenda for 2024 was launched at the White House on January 17 and is focused on...

BY: Erik Peterson      02/01/24

New Department of Education School Improvement Guidance includes afterschool and summer as important strategies

In early September, the White House released two documents that speak to the role that quality afterschool and summer learning programs can and do play in supporting student success. The White House Fact Sheet on Academic Success and the new School Improvement Guidance are complementary and outline...

BY: Erik Peterson      09/20/24

Extending the liquidation deadline of ESSER III funds to promote student success

Last week, the U.S. Department of Education released a letter sent to state education agencies outlining the process for requesting American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funding extensions. The process will be similar to what was announced for ESSER I and...

BY: Erik Peterson      01/19/24

21st CCLC Non-Regulatory Guidance finalized, includes updated information on parent fees

On September 3, the U.S. Department of Education published its final Non-Regulatory Guidance for the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) program. This guidance officially replaces the last edition of guidance published in 2003. The guidance aligns with the updated legislative...

BY: Erik Peterson      09/06/24

21st CCLC is 25: Join us in an upcoming year of visioning the future of 21st Century Community Learning Centers

As the year wraps up, we offer a final cheer in celebration of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative’s twenty fifth year! It was a year filled with an information packed 21st CCLC Summer Institute; the continuation of the federal Engage Every Student...

BY: Jillian Luchner      12/20/23

FY 25 appropriations process hits its stride, time to advocate for afterschool

After many delays, Congress finished work on fiscal year (FY) 2024 spending bills in late March, allowing lawmakers to immediately turn to the FY 2025 process. The House Appropriations Committee has a new Chairman, both House and Senate Appropriation Committees have released guidance for spending...

BY: Erik Peterson      05/03/24

Congress poised to resolve FY 2024 spending with 6-bill package, including support for afterschool and summer programs

Update, March 25, 2024:The Senate passed the measure early Saturday morning, and the bill has been signed into law by President Biden. Update, March 22, 2024: The House of Representatives passed the FY 2024 six-bill package on Friday morning by a vote of 286-134. Read the statement by Jodi...

BY: Erik Peterson      03/21/24

Reconciliation: A tax bill with key implications for families today and tomorrow

A major priority for the new Congress and Administration is tax legislation, which could be on the agenda soon in the form of a reconciliation bill – a special type of bill that requires only 50 votes in the Senate to pass[1]. Reconciliation bills can only be used for changes in mandatory...

BY: Jillian Luchner      02/10/25

White House Domestic Policy Council focuses on summer learning

Photo by René DeAnda on Unsplash On March 13, just days after the administration released their FY 2025 budget proposal, the White House Domestic Policy Council (DPC) hosted a Summer Learning Convening in the White House Executive Office Building. The meeting was kicked off by DPC...

BY: Erik Peterson      03/18/24

New federal court ruling requires the Administration to continue funding grants and contracts until additional analysis can be completed

Update: February 10, 2025: Today the federal judge in the case brought by Attorney Generals in 22 states and the District of Columbia found that the Trump administration has not fully followed his order to unfreeze federal spending and told the White House to release all funds from grants. U.S....

BY: Jodi Grant      02/03/25

Afterschool and summer learning called out in Improving Student Achievement agenda

Earlier this month the Biden administration announced a new effort focused on providing students with the support they need to accelerate learning and be successful in school and life. The Improving Student Achievement Agenda for 2024 was launched at the White House on January 17 and is focused on...

BY: Erik Peterson      02/01/24

Federal Budget Appropriations Update: Looking ahead at 2025

Photo by Samuel Schroth on Unsplash. While the 119th Congress has officially begun, the landscape is still shaking out in terms of priorities for the new House and Senate education committees. At least one, if not two, budget reconciliation bills are taking shape, extending tax credits and...

BY: Erik Peterson      01/29/25

Extending the liquidation deadline of ESSER III funds to promote student success

Last week, the U.S. Department of Education released a letter sent to state education agencies outlining the process for requesting American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funding extensions. The process will be similar to what was announced for ESSER I and...

BY: Erik Peterson      01/19/24

OMB temporarily pauses federal agency grants, loans, and assistance

Update: February 10, 2025: Today the federal judge in the case brought by Attorney Generals in 22 states and the District of Columbia found that the Trump administration has not fully followed his order to unfreeze federal spending and told the White House to release all funds from grants. U.S....

BY: Erik Peterson      01/28/25

Bipartisan Summer Meals Act reintroduced in the House of Representatives

The bipartisan Summer Meals Act (H.R. 9406) was reintroduced in the House in late August by Reps. Larsen (D-Wash.), Smith (R-N.J.), and Peltola (D-Alaska) and would reform and expand the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) to increase access to the federal initiative that funds meals served by...

BY: Erik Peterson      10/28/24

21st CCLC is 25: Join us in an upcoming year of visioning the future of 21st Century Community Learning Centers

As the year wraps up, we offer a final cheer in celebration of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative’s twenty fifth year! It was a year filled with an information packed 21st CCLC Summer Institute; the continuation of the federal Engage Every Student...

BY: Jillian Luchner      12/20/23

Increased state-level funding for afterschool and summer programs helps students succeed

State-level funding for afterschool and summer learning programs has increased 20-fold since 2000, with 26 states now collectively providing more than $5 billion in funding for local programs. The growth in state funding for afterschool and summer programs reflects the increased demand for programs...

BY: Erik Peterson      08/20/24

FY 2024 Appropriations update: Six spending bills passed; new deadline for education spending

Crisis averted. Yet again. The first week of March was another “shutdown week” in Washington, D.C. However, by week’s end, the House and Senate had passed a package of six appropriations bills that headed off a partial federal government shutdown, as funding for four spending...

BY: Erik Peterson      03/13/24

Reconciliation: A tax bill with key implications for families today and tomorrow

A major priority for the new Congress and Administration is tax legislation, which could be on the agenda soon in the form of a reconciliation bill – a special type of bill that requires only 50 votes in the Senate to pass[1]. Reconciliation bills can only be used for changes in mandatory...

BY: Jillian Luchner      02/10/25

Comments sought on proposed change to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) regulations

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) recently proposed changes to improve the effectiveness and integrity of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) regulations. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is meant to help...

BY: Erik Peterson      11/21/23

New federal court ruling requires the Administration to continue funding grants and contracts until additional analysis can be completed

Update: February 10, 2025: Today the federal judge in the case brought by Attorney Generals in 22 states and the District of Columbia found that the Trump administration has not fully followed his order to unfreeze federal spending and told the White House to release all funds from grants. U.S....

BY: Jodi Grant      02/03/25

Summer is ending! What is the status of appropriations for STEM education on Capitol Hill?

As is the case each August, Congress has left Washington D.C., for several weeks. The month’s slower pace gives STEM, education and afterschool advocates an opportunity to digest what happened in the frantic days before the recess and assess what remains to be done in 2023. The annual...

BY: Anita Krishnamurthi      08/28/23

Federal Budget Appropriations Update: Looking ahead at 2025

Photo by Samuel Schroth on Unsplash. While the 119th Congress has officially begun, the landscape is still shaking out in terms of priorities for the new House and Senate education committees. At least one, if not two, budget reconciliation bills are taking shape, extending tax credits and...

BY: Erik Peterson      01/29/25

Back to school means back to D.C. for Congress. What’s ahead in September?

The slower pace of August in Washington, D.C., is nearing its end. The imminent return of the U.S. Congress to Capitol Hill and the people’s business suggests the need for revisiting what lawmakers did before the August recess and what faces them in September. As students and teachers go back...

BY: Erik Peterson      08/25/23

OMB temporarily pauses federal agency grants, loans, and assistance

Update: February 10, 2025: Today the federal judge in the case brought by Attorney Generals in 22 states and the District of Columbia found that the Trump administration has not fully followed his order to unfreeze federal spending and told the White House to release all funds from grants. U.S....

BY: Erik Peterson      01/28/25

Bipartisan Summer Meals Act reintroduced in the House of Representatives

The bipartisan Summer Meals Act (H.R. 9406) was reintroduced in the House in late August by Reps. Larsen (D-Wash.), Smith (R-N.J.), and Peltola (D-Alaska) and would reform and expand the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) to increase access to the federal initiative that funds meals served by...

BY: Erik Peterson      10/28/24

Increased state-level funding for afterschool and summer programs helps students succeed

State-level funding for afterschool and summer learning programs has increased 20-fold since 2000, with 26 states now collectively providing more than $5 billion in funding for local programs. The growth in state funding for afterschool and summer programs reflects the increased demand for programs...

BY: Erik Peterson      08/20/24

FY 2024 Appropriations update: Six spending bills passed; new deadline for education spending

Crisis averted. Yet again. The first week of March was another “shutdown week” in Washington, D.C. However, by week’s end, the House and Senate had passed a package of six appropriations bills that headed off a partial federal government shutdown, as funding for four spending...

BY: Erik Peterson      03/13/24

Comments sought on proposed change to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) regulations

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) recently proposed changes to improve the effectiveness and integrity of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) regulations. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is meant to help...

BY: Erik Peterson      11/21/23

Summer is ending! What is the status of appropriations for STEM education on Capitol Hill?

As is the case each August, Congress has left Washington D.C., for several weeks. The month’s slower pace gives STEM, education and afterschool advocates an opportunity to digest what happened in the frantic days before the recess and assess what remains to be done in 2023. The annual...

BY: Anita Krishnamurthi      08/28/23

Back to school means back to D.C. for Congress. What’s ahead in September?

The slower pace of August in Washington, D.C., is nearing its end. The imminent return of the U.S. Congress to Capitol Hill and the people’s business suggests the need for revisiting what lawmakers did before the August recess and what faces them in September. As students and teachers go back...

BY: Erik Peterson      08/25/23