Polk County, FL — A sudden delay in federal funding has placed hundreds of local children and working families in jeopardy. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County is urging the community to act now, following the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement that 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funding—critical support for afterschool and summer programs—will not be released as expected.
For over a decade, 21st CCLC has been the cornerstone of Boys & Girls Clubs’ ability to provide safe, enriching, and academically focused programs in communities across the country. Locally, since 2011, Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County has been awarded more than $10 million in 21st CCLC grants—delivering over 42,682 hours of high-quality academic and enrichment programming to more than 3,000 youth in Polk County.
Currently, this funding supports over 600 children enrolled in summer programming across 7 sites in Polk County. The Department’s recent decision to withhold issuing Grant Award Notifications, traditionally released on July 1, has left Clubs and community organizations nationwide in an unexpected and precarious position—operating programs without clarity on when reimbursement for services will be received.
“While we understand and respect the Department of Education’s responsibility to review its programs, this delay has real and immediate consequences for working families and the children we serve every day,” said Ashley Ray, Vice President of Development of Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County.
“Our commitment to kids hasn’t changed. We are doing everything we can to shield them from this uncertainty—but we need our community’s support to keep going.”
The 21st CCLC program is the only dedicated federal funding source for afterschool and summer learning programs and the largest single source of funds for Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County. These funds support critical services such as academic support, mentorship, meals, and safe spaces during the out-of-school hours when children are most vulnerable.
How the Community Can Help:
- Contact local Congressional representatives and encourage them to support timely distribution of 21st CCLC funds.
- Make a donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County to help bridge the current funding gap and ensure uninterrupted services for local youth.
https://bgcpolk.org/donate-now/
For more information, visit www.bgcpolk.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County serves thousands of children and teens annually through afterschool and summer programming designed to help young people reach their full potential. Through academic support, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and fun, safe spaces, we are building great futures for the next generation. Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County operates 10 Club locations across the county.