BEDFORD— A sudden and indefinite freeze in federal funding is threatening critical after-school and summer programs at Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, including right here in Lawrence County.
On June 30, state agencies were notified that 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funds, despite being approved by Congress for Fiscal Year 2025, would not be released as expected by July 1. These funds are vital to the operation of after-school and summer learning programs that serve hundreds of thousands of youth nationwide.
Locally, the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County is facing the impact head-on. The organization had $240,000 allocated under the 21st CCLC program — funds that now remain in limbo.
Frank Decker, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County, confirmed the local implications and urged the public to contact lawmakers.
The Club operates six sites throughout the county, offering a range of academic, recreational, and mentoring programs to youth ages 5 to 18. This includes free summer learning labs at Burris Elementary and the Thornton Teen Center, as well as daily summer camp programs that provide breakfast, lunch, snacks, and structured activities.
These programs do more than keep kids busy. They offer learning reinforcement, help prevent summer learning loss, and provide safe, supervised environments for children during out-of-school hours. For working parents, they are a vital source of stability and support.
National data from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America show that students who attend 21st CCLC programs have improved school attendance, complete more homework, and are more likely to succeed academically. The Club also serves as a major employer and community partner, resources that could be severely strained if funding is not released soon.
According to the national organization, failure to release these funds could result in the closure of up to 926 Clubs across the U.S., with more than 220,000 youth losing access to essential services and nearly 6,000 jobs at risk.
While federal leaders work to resolve the situation, the message from local Club officials is clear: the community’s involvement matters. Residents are being encouraged to stay informed and contact their congressional representatives. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America has launched a campaign for public engagement at bgca.quorum.us/campaign/132348.
In Lawrence County, the Club has long been an anchor for children, teens, and families — a place where kids find support, safety, and opportunity. As the funding delay stretches on, community awareness and response could play a key role in helping protect those programs and the futures they support.
