(The Center Square) – Ninety-nine after-school and summer programs serving more than 10,000 students are getting the $35.8 million in operations funding from Congress through a release of funds by the U.S. Department of Education.
Nearly 1,400 staff members were also impacted by the decision on Title IV-B Funding.
“These programs provide critical academic support and safe environments for students, particularly those in high-poverty areas,” said first-term Democrat Mo Green, the superintendent of the state Department of Public Instruction. “For working families, they provide assurance that their children are engaged in enriching activities after school. Community organizations, churches and nonprofits operate 75% of these programs and can now continue their work serving North Carolina families.”
Green said another $130 million remains tied up and is being sought.
“These funds support essential services including additional teachers to lower class sizes, safety and security measures, English learner support, teacher professional development and academic enrichment programs,” Green said.
Through first-term Democratic Attorney General Jeff Jackson, North Carolina joined a litigation filed July 14 by 24 states and the District of Columbia in a federal Rhode Island court. Plaintiffs asked for declaratory and injunctive relief, and instruction to fulfill their obligations.
The Trump administration two weeks earlier had said it was ensuring grants are in alignment with policies and priorities, effectively stopping $6 billion distributed for after-school and summer programs, English language instruction and adult literacy.
Jackson said nearly 1,000 educator jobs in North Carolina and $165 million in federal funding is threatened by the Trump administration’s review of an estimated $6 billion in grants.
