Some federally funded summer programs like tutoring, music education and mental health services are continuing, despite a freeze on federal dollars. But local schools and non-profits tell KUNC News, these programs are in significant jeopardy.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration froze billions of dollars in education funding while the programs it pays for are under review. According to Colorado’s Department of Education, the state stands to lose nearly $80 million.
These funds pay for everything from English language instruction to teacher training to after school services across the state, including at Boys & Girls Clubs.
“This is an alive and ongoing situation that our clubs and staff are grappling with by the hour,” said Stuart Jenkins, the Executive Director of the Colorado Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs.
Thirteen Boys & Girls Clubs across the Denver metro area and Pueblo are direct recipients of federal 21st Century Learning Center funds. The education dollars help pay for summer tutoring programs, music education and mental health services. This is one slice of what is being withheld.
“We're working to use any existing reserves, reaching out to philanthropic partners, donors in the community, to fill the gap,” Jenkins said. “So everything is steady and remains the same as of now, but that could change if the funding does not come through.”
Following the news of the federal education freeze, Northern Colorado school districts are monitoring the funding issue. Some, including administrators at Greeley-Evans School District 6, haven’t even had time to meet and come up with a plan.
In that district, around $3.2 million is at stake. In an email to KUNC, spokesperson Theresa Myers said that for after-school programming, their schools will use the grant money they have in hand.
“But it will run out before the end of the first semester. We are still evaluating options for these programs going forward,” Myers wrote.
Jenkins says that the impacted Boys & Girls Clubs in Pueblo, Denver and Westminster serve around 2,000 children.
“Many come from families that are low-income and working multiple jobs, that don't have places or can afford other providers and services for their kids after school or on the weekends… or during the summers,” Jenkins said. “So this impact will fall disproportionately upon those who need the support the most to stay on track in school.”
