SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A coalition of after-school program providers, families and students called on Gov. JB Pritzker to release $50 million to fund their programs Monday. Advocates said state lawmakers approved the funds for their grants, but the Pritzker administration never distributed the money.
Over 27,000 Illinois students lost their after-school programming this school year, and more than 2,000 staff are out of jobs due to the lack of grant funding. Susan Stanton, the executive director of Act Now, said after-school programs are critical for youth and teens.
"These are experiences that are supporting academic learning, promoting social-emotional growth, preventing violence and providing essential childcare for working families," Stanton said.
Many of the organizations use their grant funding to support the community schools model, which provides integrated student support and wraparound services for families in need.
The Boys & Girls Club of Central Illinois uses the 21st Century Community Learning Center grants to provide free childcare for District 186 families. However, it is only one of the 15 Boys & Girls Club chapters across the state suffering without funds.
"This is a devastating blow for our members and for the families that we serve at a time where our youth are facing rising community violence, learning loss, ongoing food insecurity, and homelessness," said Awisi Bustos, CEO of the Illinois Statewide Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. "The club is literally their safe haven."
The Boys & Girls Club of Central Illinois cares for 700-800 students annually with another 215 students participating in a Springfield Urban League program. While many people are doing money to support these programs, advocates stressed that they need immediate action from the Illinois State Board of Education.
"These young people are being left behind, and it is not because the resources are not there," said Family Focus President and CEO Dara Munson. "It is because we understand the process to release those resources, those very critical funds, has stalled."
A spokesperson for the Illinois State Board of Education said they are working closely with legislative leaders to determine their intention for adding the new $50 million appropriation for after-school funding included in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.Â
"We understand the urgency surrounding after-school programming and remain committed to ensuring that these resources are allocated in a way that best serves students and families across Illinois," said ISBE Press Secretary Lindsay Record. "At the request of the General Assembly, ISBE is awaiting their direction before proceeding."
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