By rssfeeds-admin The Oregon Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs warns that several of their satellite sites may be forced to shut down if funding isn’t restored soon.
The U.S. Department of Education recently announced a hold on billions in federal education dollars, including money designated for 21st Century Community Learning Centers. These grants support after-school and summer programs, particularly those formed through strong partnerships between school districts and community-based organizations.
In Oregon, clubs in Greater Santiam, Western Lane County, and Emerald Valley are among the recipients of this grant.
“School year kick-off is a really looming date,” said Bethany Thramer, Director of the Oregon Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs. “If funding isn’t in place or expected, the kind of pressure it puts on the organization is significant.”
With the school year rapidly approaching, the Oregon Alliance stands to lose $1.41 million in funding, according to Thramer. That shortfall could lead to:
- Closure of three satellite sites
- Layoffs affecting up to 13 staff members
- Hundreds of youth left without a safe, enriching place to go after school or during summer break
Many of the young people impacted come from underserved and rural communities—areas where options for after-school care are already scarce.
“When there are only a couple of options for where kids can go, where they can stay involved, it’s really essential we keep the doors open,” Thramer emphasized.
Thramer says the organization is doing everything it can to secure alternative public and private funding to avoid shutdowns. “I know we are not alone,” she said. “Community organizations across the state are facing challenging times.”
As of now, the U.S. Department of Education has not provided a timeline for when—or if—the frozen funds will be released.
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