The Trump administration announced on July 1 that it will withhold more than $6 billion in federal grants designated for after-school and summer programs across public schools in the United States.
The withheld funds include approximately $2.2 billion in Title II allocations for teacher training and about $1.4 billion earmarked for before- and after-school initiatives. The administration has not offered detailed explanations for the budget freeze.
School districts and state education departments have expressed concerns over the funding suspension.
California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond warned that the freeze could have significant impacts on students and families, particularly those relying on affordable after-school care to support working parents.
Education advocates emphasize that these federal grants are critical for maintaining programs aimed at closing learning gaps and providing additional student support.
Many schools depend heavily on such funding to sustain services, and the freeze raises concerns about potential program cuts or reductions.