Protecting Afterschool Programs That Help Kids Thrive
Every day after school, hundreds of children across the Green Bay area rely on high-quality out-of-school-time programs for safety, academic support, mentorship, meals, enrichment, and opportunities to grow. For many families, these programs are not simply helpful. They are essential.
Across our community, afterschool programs provide safe spaces where young people can learn, build confidence, stay active, connect with caring adults, and develop skills that support their success in school and beyond. They also give working parents peace of mind during the critical hours after the school day ends.
Many of these programs are made possible in part through federal funding from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, also known as 21CCLC. For more than 25 years, 21CCLC funding has supported safe, structured, and enriching afterschool and summer learning opportunities for youth across the country.
Now, that funding is at risk.
The President’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget would eliminate dedicated funding for 21CCLC programs nationwide. If enacted, these cuts would have serious consequences for students, working families, and community-based afterschool programs here in Green Bay, across Wisconsin, and throughout the country.
The Greater Green Bay YMCA, Green Bay Area Public Schools, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Bay & Lakes Region are joining together to ask our community to speak with one voice.
Congress must continue investing in kids.
Afterschool programs help students improve academic outcomes, build confidence, stay active and engaged, and access positive opportunities during a time of day when many families need support most. These programs are especially important for children and families who can least afford to be without them.
A reduction in funding would not only limit access to safe and supportive programming. It would also create gaps for working families, strain community resources, and impact the future workforce our local economy depends on.
We are urging Congress to support working families and reverse proposed cuts to youth-serving programs by supporting at least $2.1 billion in funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers in the FY27 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill.
Take Action Today
Please contact Wisconsin’s U.S. Senators and Representative and ask them to protect federal funding for afterschool and out-of-school-time programs.
You can use the message below when reaching out.
“As your constituent, I urge you to reverse proposed cuts to 21st Century Community Learning Centers and continue investing in afterschool programs that support children and families in our community. These programs provide safe spaces, academic support, mentoring, and enrichment opportunities that are critical to student success and working families. Please support at least $2.1 billion for 21CCLC funding in FY27. Thank you for your service, and I look forward to your reply.”
Wisconsin Congressional Contacts
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin
202-224-5653
baldwin.senate.gov/contact/contact-tammy
U.S. Senator Ron Johnson
202-224-5323
ronjohnson.senate.gov/email-the-senator
U.S. Representative Tony Wied
202-225-5665
wied.house.gov/contact
Together, we can help ensure Green Bay children and families continue to have access to programs that help young people learn, grow, and thrive beyond the school day.
Thank you for standing with local youth and families.
