Trump Administration Want to End Federal After-School Program

The Trump administration has announced a plan to stop the federal after-school program. This program helps more than 1.4 million students in the United States. Most of the students in the program come from low-income families. These kids often do not have access to extra learning support or safe places to go after school.

The program gives students a chance to learn more, play, stay active, and stay safe while their parents are still at work. Now, the administration says the program is too expensive and doesn’t show strong academic results. If the plan becomes law, many schools across the country will lose this important support.

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Why Does the Government Want to Cut It?

The Trump administration says the federal after-school program costs too much money. It currently costs about $1.3 billion each year. Leaders in the government say that this money could be used in better ways. They believe that after-school programs do not help students improve their test scores enough.

The government also says that local governments and private organizations, like charities or churches, should run after-school programs, not the federal government. They want to shift the responsibility away from Washington, D.C., and give more control to states and cities.

However, many people disagree with this view. They say the federal government should help all students, no matter where they live or how much money their families make.

What Do Teachers and Parents Say?

Many teachers, parents, and school leaders are speaking out against the plan. They believe the federal after-school program does much more than help students with grades. It gives children a place to go when school ends. It helps them stay out of trouble and learn life skills that they may not know in a classroom.

Some teachers say students feel more confident because of the program. They build friendships, learn teamwork, and get help from adults who care about them. Parents say they trust the program to keep their kids safe while they are at work.

In many families, both parents work late hours. Without after-school care, children may have to stay home alone. This makes it hard for them to stay focused, stay safe, or stay out of danger.

What Do Studies Show?

Researchers have studied after-school programs for many years. Some studies show that these programs improve school attendance, reduce bad behavior, and keep students interested in learning. They may not always lead to big improvements in test scores, but they help students in many other important ways.

Experts say test scores are only one part of a student’s success. After-school programs help kids feel supported, especially those who are going through hard times at home. These programs also teach skills like leadership, time management, and communication.

The federal after-school program gives students a chance to grow both academically and socially. Without it, many students may miss these important learning moments.

How Will This Affect Students?

Millions of youngsters may lose access to after-school activities, education, and safety if the government’s after-school program is discontinued. Schools in poor areas may not have the money to keep their programs running. This will hurt children who already face many challenges in their lives.

Students may have to go home to empty houses or wait for parents on the streets. They may spend time on social media or get involved in risky activities because they are bored or unsupervised. Many children need structure and positive adult role models after school, and this program gives them that.

Some schools may try to find local funding to keep after-school activities going, but most schools cannot afford it on their own.

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Can Congress Stop This?

Yes, Congress has the final say. They can vote to keep or cut the money for the federal after-school program. In the past, both Republicans and Democrats worked together to protect this program. Many lawmakers say it helps too many students to be removed.

Right now, there is a lot of debate in Washington, D.C. Some members of Congress want to keep the program because they believe all kids deserve the same chance to succeed. Others support the Trump administration’s idea of cutting it to save money.

The next few months will be important. Families, teachers, and students are waiting to see what Congress will do. The vote could decide the future of after-school care for millions of children.

What Happens Next?

Lawmakers will soon meet to decide the final federal budget for 2025. That decision will include whether or not to fund the federal after-school program.

If Congress chooses to fund the program, it will continue running in schools around the country. If not, schools may begin closing their programs by the end of September 2025. Families and school staff need to start planning now in case the funding disappears.

Some groups are starting campaigns and petitions to ask Congress to keep the program. They hope public support can make a difference before lawmakers vote.

The Trump administration wants to end the federal after-school program. They say it costs too much and doesn’t improve grades enough. But many teachers, parents, and students say it offers much more than test scores.

This program helps students stay safe, learn, and grow outside the classroom. For many families, it is a lifeline. Now, its future depends on what Congress decides in the next few months.

If you care about education and student success, now is the time to speak up.