Statement on 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Funding Delay
July 3, 2025
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (BGCAZ) is deeply concerned by the U.S. Department of Education’s unprecedented decision to withhold FY2025 funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative—federal support that sustains afterschool and summer programming for Arizona’s most under-resourced youth.
Here’s what this means locally and to BGCAZ:
- Arizona is missing more than $24 million in previously approved funding.
- BGCAZ faces an immediate $1.3 million shortfall, jeopardizing operations at six Club sites (AND four set to launch this fall).
- More than 2,000 youth may lose access to daily enrichment, tutoring, and safe afterschool care.
- Up to 60 staff positions could be impacted, at a time when Clubs are already recruiting for the school year ahead.
- Closed 21st CCLC sites will increase demand for Club programs adding to budget and staffing impacts, and need for scholarships for students
- This is not just about programming—it’s about infrastructure.
A disruption to 21st CCLC funding affects working families, school partnerships, and Arizona’s economy. Our Clubs are on the front lines of youth development and family stability. When care disappears, so does parental workforce participation—costing Arizona businesses nearly $1 billion annually in lost productivity.
We remain committed to advocating for the immediate release of these funds and protecting the programs that help Arizona’s youth succeed—in school, in life, and beyond.
Thank you for standing with us.
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