Archives:

Select:

Closing out the 115th session of Congress: Lame ducks and new beginnings

READ FULL STORY

Closing out the 115th session of Congress: Lame ducks and new beginnings

Congress is working furiously to conclude the 115th session while laying the ground work for the 116th session set to begin on Jan. 3, 2019. Top priority for this “lame duck” session is finishing work on the FY2019 spending bills as seven remain in a holding pattern as part of a continuing resolution that expires on Dec. 21.  Also on the agenda and of interest to afterschool advocates is the Farm Bill and Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) reauthorizations, as well as a number of marker bills that have been introduced this month as members of Congress  begin to lay out their priorities for the new year.

FY2019 Spending Bills and Continuing Resolutions

You may recall that Congress completed five major spending bills in September before FY2019 began, a feat that had not been accomplished for almost a decade. Among the bills that passed was the FY2019 Labor, Health and Human Service and Education Appropriations Act which invested in afterschool programs at record levels. However, Congress did leave seven spending bills as unfinished business: funding for agencies including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Justice, the National Science Foundation, and others which will now expire on Dec. 21. While negotiations have become bogged done over funding for the president’s wall on the southern border, the options that remain on the table include extending the continuing resolution into spring 2019, passing an omnibus bill, or a combination of the two. It is important to note that funding for child nutrition programs like the Afterschool Meal programs and summer food service program are not affected by the spending impasse, as they rely on mandatory funding rather than annual discretionary appropriations bills.

If the White House and Congress cannot agree to terms, a partial government shutdown will occur on Dec. 22 with the seven remaining agencies shuttering their doors until a compromise is reached.

Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) reauthorization

Reauthorization of the JJDPA was also negotiated this month after both the House and Senate passed versions of the bill earlier this session, and a bipartisan, bicameral compromise bill was produced. First enacted in 1974, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) has been due for reauthorization since 2007. The final version of the bill reportedly contains language from the House-passed iteration that includes afterschool programs as an allowable use of prevention funds. On the night of Dec. 11 the Senate finally passed the bill and the House is expected to vote on the bill by Dec. 21.

Farm Bill

The reauthorization of the Farm Bill, a subject of intense negotiations, passed the House on Dec 12 after passing the Senate 87-13 on Dec. 11. While few provisions impact afterschool programs directly, the bill does establish a new Agricultural Youth Organization Coordinator within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and recognizes the importance of involving youth in farming and ranching through programs like 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and Farm to School. The Agricultural Youth Organization Coordinator position is intended to promote youth-serving organizations and school-based agricultural education, serve as a resource for assisting youth organizations in agriculture in applying for participation in agricultural programs, and advocate on behalf of youth organizations in agriculture in interactions with employees of USDA.

Newly-introduced marker bills

A number of ‘marker bills’  were introduced over the past few weeks that were not necessarily intended to pass this Congress, but signal areas for discussion and debate in the upcoming 116th Congress. Among these bills, several may be of interest to afterschool supporters:

  • DIPLOMA Act: Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif-27) and six cosponsors introduced H.R. 7204, the Developing Innovative Partnerships and Learning Opportunities that Motivate Achievement (DIPLOMA) Act on Nov. 30. The DIPLOMA Act would provide federal grants to states to support community schools and develop a comprehensive child and youth strategy. States would award subgrants to local consortia, in which a school works with at least one community partner. Community partners can be public or private organizations like local governments or institutions of higher education, local nonprofits or child and youth-serving organizations, or even local businesses or foundations. A community School Consortium receiving grant funds could use them to increase support for early childhood education, early reading programs, child care, home visiting, and parental education, develop programs for students and parents to learn together, offer multiple routes to a high school diploma, support mentoring, and more.

 

  • Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (Keep Our PACT) Act: On Dec. 4 Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) introduced S. 3699 which would require full mandatory funding of part A of Title I of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Title I of ESSA, which gives assistance to America’s highest-need schools, is a critical tool to ensure that every child, no matter the zip code, has access to a quality education. Funds can be used for a variety of uses including support for afterschool and summer learning programs. Over time, Title I has been deeply underfunded. According to the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, the Title I formula was underfunded by $347 billion from 2005-2017. Similarly, IDEA calls on the federal government to fund 40 percent of the cost of special education, but Congress has never fully funded the law. Currently, IDEA state grants are funded at just 14.7 percent. The Keep Our PACT Act would create a 10-year mandatory glide path to fully fund both Title I and IDEA, ensuring that education is a priority in the federal budget. The legislation is supported by the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, and AASA, the School Superintendents Association.

On the horizon for the 116th Congress

When Congress returns in January to begin its 116th session, Democrats will control the House of Representatives while Republicans will have a slightly larger majority in the Senate. A crucial priority for both chambers in 2019 will be addressing the return of the sequester and drastic spending caps for FY2020 that would mean a $55 billion cut to non-defense discretionary spending. Additionally, House Democrats have discussed key priorities for the 116th Congress, including increased transparency and accountability for the Executive Branch, as well as a focus on infrastructure and healthcare. With regard to education, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) as the assumed new chair of the soon-to-be renamed House Committee on Education and Labor, will most likely focus on passage of his Rebuild America's Schools Act, H.R. 2475 (115) or its inclusion as part of a larger infrastructure package. The bill would create a $70 billion grant program and $30 billion tax credit bond program designed to improve school buildings in high-poverty schools. It would also create a national database on the condition of public school facilities.

Additional potential priorities for the Education Committee include rigorous oversight of the Department of Education, including the repeal of most Obama administration guidance, as well as ESSA implementation with a particular focus on state plans that do not pay enough attention to underserved students; Higher Education Act reauthorization; and possible movement on the Child Care for Working Families Act H.R. 3773 (115) which would create a federal-state partnership that aims to ensure that families making less than 150 percent of their state's median income do not pay more than 7 percent of their income on child care. Reauthorization of the federal child nutrition programs and the Corporation for National and Community Service (which manages the AmeriCorps and VISTA programs) is also a possibility.

We look forward to working with Congress and afterschool supporters in the new year to increase out of school learning opportunities for all children. Reach out to your member of Congress this month to encourage their support

Executive Order establishes “Make America Healthy Again Commission”

On February 13, 2025, the President issued an Executive Order (EO) that directs federal government  agencies to enact policies to aggressively combat the critical health challenges of Americans, including rising rates of mental health disorders, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases....

BY: Erik Peterson      02/24/25

Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon testifies in front of Senate HELP Committee

On February 13, nominee for Secretary of Education Ms. Linda McMahon testified in front of the Senate HELP Committee, answering an array of questions from Senators. Ms. McMahon repeatedly stated her support for public education as well as parent choice, and responded several times that it is...

BY: Erik Peterson      02/14/25

Executive Order on transgender participation in sports

On February 5, 2025, the President issued an Executive Order that “rescinds all funds from educational programs” that allow participants girls who identify as transgender to take part in women/girls sports activities. The order directs all executive departments and agencies to...

BY: Leah Silverberg      02/13/25

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

Newly introduced legislation would support mentoring in and out of school

As National Mentoring Month ended in late January, several bills were reintroduced to support mentoring activities: A Transition to Success Mentoring Act, Mentoring to Succeed Act, and the Students Helping Younger Students Act. All three bills currently have only Democratic support. Service...

BY: Erik Peterson      02/05/25

The Impact of the Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families Executive Order on afterschool and summer learning programs

This week several additional Executive Orders were announced by the Trump Administration in addition to the Orders put in place last week. Two new Orders, on Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families (January 29) and Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling (January 29)could...

BY: Erik Peterson      01/31/25

New Executive Orders could impact afterschool and summer learning programs

Photo by Edoardo Cuoghi on Unsplash. After being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, President Trump issued several Executive Orders on a wide range of issues, including several that impact federal agencies and regulatory processes. Below, we touch on a number of...

BY: Erik Peterson      01/29/25

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

Afterschool Alliance sends memo to President-elect Trump’s Transition Team

On January 20, 2025, President Elect Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Late last year, Linda McMahon was announced as the nominee to serve as Secretary of Education, pending Senate confirmation early this year. In anticipation of the new Administration, the...

BY: Erik Peterson      01/15/25

Executive Order establishes “Make America Healthy Again Commission”

On February 13, 2025, the President issued an Executive Order (EO) that directs federal government  agencies to enact policies to aggressively combat the critical health challenges of Americans, including rising rates of mental health disorders, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases....

BY: Erik Peterson      02/24/25

Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon testifies in front of Senate HELP Committee

On February 13, nominee for Secretary of Education Ms. Linda McMahon testified in front of the Senate HELP Committee, answering an array of questions from Senators. Ms. McMahon repeatedly stated her support for public education as well as parent choice, and responded several times that it is...

BY: Erik Peterson      02/14/25

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

Newly introduced legislation would support mentoring in and out of school

As National Mentoring Month ended in late January, several bills were reintroduced to support mentoring activities: A Transition to Success Mentoring Act, Mentoring to Succeed Act, and the Students Helping Younger Students Act. All three bills currently have only Democratic support. Service...

BY: Erik Peterson      02/05/25

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

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

Practice and policy recommendations featured during UnidosUS and BGCA Hill briefing

On Tuesday, December 3, UnidosUS and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America hosted a Hill briefing titled Out-of-School Time Learning: Practice to Policy. UnidosUS published a brief of the same name in October 2024. Brian Ortega of UnidosUS began the morning by explaining the origins of the...

BY: Jillian Luchner      12/10/24

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

Several new bills introduced that would support afterschool and summer learning opportunities

While Congress is on recess this month leading up to the election in early November,  three new bills were introduced over the past few months that could increase access to  quality afterschool or summer learning programs. The focus of the bills range from providing support to AmeriCorps...

BY: Erik Peterson      10/29/24

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

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

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

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

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

Senate Finance Committee examines the State of Child Care

On July 9, 2024, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing titled "Examining the State of Child Care: How Federal Policy Solutions Can Support Families, Close Existing Gaps, and Strengthen Economic Growth." This hearing addressed the urgent child care crisis in the United States. The...

BY: Jamaiya Nowling      07/25/24

Appropriations update: House Committee passes FY 2025 Education Spending Bill, Senate starts process

This week, both the House and Senate made progress on the FY 2025 appropriations cycle. The House Appropriations Committee continued to approve bills sent to them by the 12 spending subcommittees, while the Senate got its process started by deciding topline figures. House Committee acts on...

BY: Erik Peterson      07/12/24

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 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

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

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

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

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

Executive Order establishes “Make America Healthy Again Commission”

On February 13, 2025, the President issued an Executive Order (EO) that directs federal government  agencies to enact policies to aggressively combat the critical health challenges of Americans, including rising rates of mental health disorders, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases....

BY: Erik Peterson      02/24/25

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

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

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

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

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

Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon testifies in front of Senate HELP Committee

On February 13, nominee for Secretary of Education Ms. Linda McMahon testified in front of the Senate HELP Committee, answering an array of questions from Senators. Ms. McMahon repeatedly stated her support for public education as well as parent choice, and responded several times that it is...

BY: Erik Peterson      02/14/25

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

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

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

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

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

Executive Order on immigration

One of the first Executive Orders (EO) President Trump issued immediately on assuming office on January 20, 2025 was on immigration. The Administration paired this EO with directives from the Department of Homeland Security that rescinded the Biden Administration’s guidelines for Immigration...

BY: Anita Krishnamurthi      02/19/25

Executive Order on transgender participation in sports

On February 5, 2025, the President issued an Executive Order that “rescinds all funds from educational programs” that allow participants girls who identify as transgender to take part in women/girls sports activities. The order directs all executive departments and agencies to...

BY: Leah Silverberg      02/13/25

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

The Impact of the Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families Executive Order on afterschool and summer learning programs

This week several additional Executive Orders were announced by the Trump Administration in addition to the Orders put in place last week. Two new Orders, on Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families (January 29) and Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling (January 29)could...

BY: Erik Peterson      01/31/25

New Executive Orders could impact afterschool and summer learning programs

Photo by Edoardo Cuoghi on Unsplash. After being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, President Trump issued several Executive Orders on a wide range of issues, including several that impact federal agencies and regulatory processes. Below, we touch on a number of...

BY: Erik Peterson      01/29/25

Afterschool Alliance sends memo to President-elect Trump’s Transition Team

On January 20, 2025, President Elect Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Late last year, Linda McMahon was announced as the nominee to serve as Secretary of Education, pending Senate confirmation early this year. In anticipation of the new Administration, the...

BY: Erik Peterson      01/15/25

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

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

During election season, afterschool remains a bipartisan issue

Election Day is quickly approaching, making it a good time to look at how afterschool and summer learning programs might be impacted by the policy platforms of the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees. While policy platforms do not necessarily reflect how the candidates might address an...

BY: Erik Peterson      09/17/24