Provisional $2.1 million investment would support Leon County students while waiting for federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding.
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, the Children’s Services Council of Leon County (CSC Leon) approved funding for an emergency request of $2.1 million submitted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend, in partnership with Leon County Schools. This decision was made in direct response to the federal freeze on 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) funding, which has placed afterschool and summer programming for thousands of students nationwide in jeopardy.
This emergency funding is intended to serve as a temporary, stop-gap measure to ensure students and families across multiple Title I schools in Leon County, who are expecting 21st CCLC programming to begin on the first day of school, still will have access to safe, high-quality out-of-school time programs.
CSC Leon is committed to continuity of care and educational enrichment for children in our community, particularly those most at risk of academic and social disconnection. This approval reflects our mission to be responsive to urgent needs while upholding the same standards of quality and fiscal accountability expected of all CSC Leon-funded programs.
Key points of the provisional funding approval include:
- The $2.1 million allocation will come from funds within CSC Leon’s current budget.
- The funding will be provided as an emergency investment to maintain afterschool program services until federal funding is restored.
- If and when 21st CCLC funds are released by the federal government, CSC Leon’s emergency funding will sunset, allowing for a transition period for Boys & Girls Clubs and Leon County Schools.
- All participating sites must adhere to CSC Leon’s established expectations, including appropriate staff-to-student ratios, program quality, and transparent fiscal management.
- Final authorization is pending review and approval of a formal contract by CSC Leon’s Executive Committee, which will meet prior to the start of the 2025–2026 school year (August 11).
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Holly McPhail, Director of Special Projects
Children’s Services Council of Leon County
hmcphail@cscleon.org
Recent Comments