Afterschool Webinar:

Every second Friday at noon ET, our own Senior VP of Policy, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don’t know!) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next. Submit your questions in advance so we know what's top of mind for you.

Resources:

FY27 Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Funding Advocacy Letter—Organizational Sign-On

The FY2027 appropriations process is underway. We are asking your national, state, or local organization to sign on to our letter in support of funding for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative, which funds local school and community-based afterschool and summer learning programs. There has been no increase in funding in the past several years, and the tremendous need for afterschool and summer learning programs at the local level continues to grow, as do the costs to operate quality programs. 

Supporting the 21st CCLC infrastructure remains critical as a way to ensure local school and community-based afterschool and summer learning providers have the federal support they can leverage to provide a wide range of programs and services in support of student success. Please also consider forwarding this email to other organizations that may be interested in signing the letter.

Events to keep on your radar

• We Love Afterschool (February 13): Share the love for afterschool programs! The We Love Afterschool webpage has everything you need to get involved in today's celebration, including sample social media posts, downloadable templates, graphics, and more!
• Day of Action (March 6): Join the Afterschool for All Challenge at home! Save the date to contact Congress and show policymakers why afterschool is essential for you, your family, and your community. 

Funding opportunity for youth

Your students have ideas worth listening to, and the Mott Million Dollar Challenge is their chance to be heard (and compete for prizes from a $1 million prize pool). This national pitch competition invites K-12 students to submit a simple 30-90 second video sharing an idea that betters their very own school, home, or community. Submissions are due February 27, 2026. Learn more at MottMillion.org.

Blogs

• February 4, 2026: Potential funding opportunity for afterschool and summer in 2027 Scholarship Tax Credit
• January 30, 2026: New bipartisan legislation would incentivize partnerships to increase access to afterschool
• January 29, 2026: The year ahead: Afterschool and summer policy landscape for 2026
• January 21, 2026: Bipartisan, bicameral FY 2026 Education Spending bill includes afterschool, summer program support

Additional resources

• Current Policy News
• Afterschool Works for America (help get the word out and engage the public in saving afterschool and summer program funding)