21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)

Investing in Michigan’s Youth, Families, and Communities

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program is the only federal funding stream dedicated exclusively to supporting local afterschool and summer learning programs. In Michigan, these funds help thousands of youth access safe, engaging, and enriching opportunities outside the school day—right in their own communities.

What is 21st CCLC?

21st CCLC provides grants to schools, youth-serving organizations, and community partners to offer high-quality out-of-school time (OST) programs for youth, particularly those in high-poverty and low-performing school districts. Programs support academic achievement, build social-emotional skills, and offer activities like STEM, arts, sports, and career exploration—all while providing a safe place for youth to learn and grow.

Why It Matters in Michigan

Across the state:

  • More than 40,000 youth and families benefit from 21st CCLC programs each year.

  • Programs serve as essential supports for working families, helping bridge the gap between school and home.

  • The demand far exceeds supply—more than 750,000 youth in Michigan would participate in afterschool programs if they were available.

Impact

21st Century Community Learning Centers deliver far more than just homework help—they are a powerful driver of youth success, community strength, and economic opportunity in Michigan. These programs:

  • Improve academic performance and school engagement.

  • Support student mental health and social-emotional development.

  • Strengthen workforce skills and career readiness.

  • Engage families and communities in youth success.

Help Protect This Critical Funding

Federal funding for afterschool and summer learning is under serious threat.

The President’s proposed FY2026 budget, released on May 30, calls for the elimination of dedicated funding for afterschool and summer learning programs via 21st CCLC. The plan levies enormous cuts on the Department of Education that would impact afterschool and summer programs and the youth and families they serve.

Increased costs and growing demand make continued federal support more critical than ever. Now that the administration has released its proposal, it's up to Congress to decide what gets funded—and they need to hear from you.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Call or email your U.S. Senators and Representatives and urge them to fully fund 21st CCLC. Share with them the importance of 21st CCLC and afterschool programs here in Michigan, and how these cuts would impact your community.

  • Print this petition created by the Afterschool Alliance to gather signatures from families, educators, and community supporters at program sites, events, or conferences. After collecting signatures, photocopy the petition and mail it to your members of Congress.

  • Invite your representatives in Congress and their staff to come visit your program. There’s no better way to showcase the power and value of afterschool than showing people first hand. You do not need to get the Member of Congress there—having one of their staff join can be incredibly powerful.

  • Use this editable letter to raise awareness in your local media. Add in information about your program and why this funding is a necessity. It should be co-signed by a local provider—or adapted for a parent, educator, or community advocate—and shared with your local media outlets.

Your voice can help protect Michigan’s youth, working families, and community programs from devastating cuts.