Statement from Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s President & CEO Jim Clark
Afterschool and summer learning programs are cornerstones of academic success, public safety, and family stability for millions of young people — but right now, we stand at a dangerous tipping point. The decision to withhold 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funds — despite Congressional approval for FY25 — threatens to unravel a decades-long, bipartisan investment in youth development. For over 20 years, 21st CCLC have helped kids succeed — and the results are clear. Students show better attendance, stronger engagement, and improved academic outcomes, with 70% completing more homework and nearly half overcoming chronic absenteeism.
We’re deeply grateful for this funding that helps young people achieve real results — all while providing safe, supportive environments staffed by caring professionals, so parents and caregivers can work with confidence. The impact goes beyond kids: for every $1 invested in Boys & Girls Clubs, communities see an average return of $10.
Just like any organization, Boys & Girls Clubs depend on financial commitments to operate — to recruit talent, deliver services, and meet the needs of families they serve daily. If these funds are blocked, the fallout will be swift and devastating: up to 926 Boys & Girls Clubs could be forced to shut their doors, and more than 220,000 kids — many of them in underserved communities — will lose access to essential supports like healthy meals, caring mentors, and safe spaces during the most vulnerable hours of the day. It would also mean the loss of 5,900 jobs at Boys & Girls Clubs around the country.
This funding supports the families of hardworking Americans who count on these services. With Independence Day days away, Club sites and camps could shutter mid-season — upending care for working parents and leaving kids without critical safety nets.
Every moment of delay puts more kids at risk. This isn’t a partisan issue — it’s about putting kids first.
We call on the Administration, with bipartisan support in Congress, to act swiftly and release the funds that families are already counting on. America’s future depends on how we show up for its kids — especially right now.
