NAVIGATING THE 21ST CENTURY LEARNING CENTER $1.4 MILLION FUNDING LOSS

On July 1, 2025, President Donald Trump’s administration withheld approximately $1.3 billion in funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, a key federal program of the U.S. Department of Education. This funding supports after-school and summer learning initiatives for over 1.4 million children nationwide. Grace Place has received 21st Century grant money since 2014.

The decision is part of a broader $6.8 billion freeze on education grants, leaving schools and states scrambling to adjust budgets. The administration intends to review whether these funds align with their priorities. Critics, including state education officials, argue this impoundment violates the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, prompting threats of legal action to restore congressionally approved funds.

The 21st Century Community Learning Center funding (aka 21st Century or 21st CLCC), has been a significant but not sole source of support for our after-school and summer programs. The funding flows from the federal government to the State of Florida and has enabled us to expand academic enrichment, tutoring, and family engagement services, particularly for underserved students. It is one part of a broader funding model that includes state, local, and private contributions.

Thank you for your incredible work and for standing with us as we navigate this challenge. We are stronger together, and we will get through this as a Grace Place family.

Q&A

A: Grace Place programs are partially supported by three 21st Century grants. For FY 25-26, these grants comprise 20% of our total $7.1 million budget, equaling $1.4 million in total grants for 2025/26.

  • The budget for Elementary programs is $1.5 million; 21st Century would cover up to $652,000.
  • The Middle School program budget is $938,000 with 21st Century covering up to $488,000.
  • The High School program budget is $820,000 with 21st Century covering up to $325,000.

We anticipate that we will not receive full funding for our summer 2025 programs, in the amount of $579,487.

A: The current enrollment is 1,300 students. Only K-12 programs are covered by 21st Century grants.

  • 220 elementary students at 5 Golden Gate elementary schools
  • 180 middle school students at Golden Gate Middle School
  • 120 students at Golden Gate High School
  • 220 students in Bright Beginning early childhood education classes
  • 190 adult students in Bright Beginning classes
  • 370 adult education students

A: No. Grace Place first received 21st Century Learning Center funding for elementary and middle school programs in 2014. Funding for the high school program was received in 2016. The individual grants have been approved for multiple years:

  • Elementary grant is approved through the years 2020-2028.
  • Middle school grant is approved through the years 2024-2028.
  • High school grant is approved through the years 2022-2026.

A: This cut is part of larger federal budget reductions impacting other educational programs like Head Start and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG). These programs are vital for supporting low-income families, but recent congressional budget decisions have reduced or delayed their funding.

A: This loss is about 20% of our annual budget, which is significant. It puts pressure on our ability to fully fund our free programs. Without new funding sources, we may need to adjust program scopes, staffing, or resources. But rest assured, we are exploring every option to keep our programs strong and to minimize disruptions for our students and families.

A: The 21st Century grants helped power some key initiatives, including:

  • After-school academic and literacy programs, tutoring, and enrichment for K–12 students
  • Summer programs focused on academic learning
  • Transportation, meals, and supplies for those programs
  • Family engagement activities, like parent nights

All Grace Place programs may be impacted as our general operating funds are repurposed to support the loss of the 21st Century grants.

A: While it is possible that federal 21st Century Learning Center funding could be restored in the future, we have made the difficult decision not to pursue this level of funding again. The unpredictable nature of federal funding and the risk of sudden cuts like this one create too much instability for our programs and the families we serve. We are instead focusing on building a more sustainable funding model through diversified local, state, and private funding sources that provide greater long-term security.

A: We are carefully reviewing each program to ensure we keep delivering high-quality education and support. Short-term, we are doing everything to maintain all services, but the funding cut might mean scaling back some offerings, adjusting hours, or focusing on high-priority programs based on what our community needs most. We will keep families in the loop and work to minimize any disruptions.

A: We are taking action on multiple fronts:

  • Finding New Funding: We are applying for private grants, reaching out to donors, and building partnerships to bridge the gap.
  • Engaging Our Community: We are boosting outreach through events, newsletters, and volunteer opportunities to rally support and donations.
  • Streamlining Operations: We are looking at our budget to find smart ways to save money while protecting our core mission.

Your ideas and energy can make a big difference as we navigate this together!

A: At this time, there are no planned layoffs or staff reductions as we explore all available options to maintain our current workforce while adapting to this funding change.

A: You are already doing incredible work, and here is how you can help even more:

  • Keep Shining: Continue providing top-notch education and support to our families, it strengthens our case for funding.
  • Share Our Story: Talk about the impact of our work with families and community members to inspire donations and support. Invite our team to speak to clubs, groups and organizations.
  • Bring Ideas: Share cost-saving or fundraising ideas with leadership, we value your creativity!
  • Stay Connected: Read updates to stay on the same page with our goals.

Your positivity and commitment mean the world to our families and to us.

A: We are doing all we can to avoid disruptions for families when the school year begins in August. Any changes to programs or schedules will be shared clearly through community meetings and letters (in multiple languages). We are also preparing a family-facing Q&A to address their questions. Our families depend on us, and we will keep them updated every step of the way.

A: Our mission hasn’t changed. We are still all about creating pathways out of poverty through education. This funding cut is a challenge, but with 20 years of impact, a supportive community, and your amazing dedication, we will keep delivering transformative education. Together, we will find ways to sustain our programs and their life-changing results.

A: Feel free to reach out to Lara, at 239-255-7201 or lara.fisher@graceplacenaples.org or any member of our Board of Directors.