Thousands of families in Northeast Florida could soon lose access to after-school and summer programs, as a federal funding freeze puts critical education services on hold.
The Trump administration has temporarily blocked $6 billion in education grants nationwide.
Although Congress approved the money, the Trump administration has put distribution on hold. Officials say they’re reviewing whether the funding aligns with policy goals — but there’s no timeline for when, or if, the money will be released.
Among those affected are programs supported by the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, a federal initiative that funds academic support, meals, and safe spaces for children in low-income communities.
Local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida, are already feeling the impact.
“Clubs are at risk. Kids are at risk,” the nonprofit posted online, urging families to contact lawmakers.
The freeze has left dozens of club locations in limbo. Wyatt Parlette, Vice President of Operations for the Northeast Florida chapter, said the funding is vital.
“We’ve been a staple in these communities for years,” Parlette said. “There are families and children who really rely on our services — academic support, mentorship, sports and recreation, the arts — all free of charge. We don’t want to see a lapse in that support.”
Parlette said what matters is the results his organization sees.
“When you look at their grades, they’re they’re going up, they are having great mentorship programs. You look at sports and recreation, character and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, we provide all these services free of charge,” Parlette said. “So any family that comes to our doors, they do not pay a registration fee, any kind of fee. So we want to continue that service and not have any kind of lapse in service for these families that really do need us most.”
The funding freeze extends beyond education. Key federal nutrition programs have also been paused by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program
- Local Food Purchase Assistance Program
- USDA food programs that supply millions of pounds of groceries to food banks and pantries nationwide
Feeding Northeast Florida, which oversees several food distribution sites in the region, has not yet commented.
We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they become available.
