BGCNEO applauds release of $1.8 million for its Clubs
More than 1,500 Northeast Ohio kids will be able to return to their neighborhood Boys & Girls Clubs this fall, thanks to the release of $1.8 million in previously frozen federal funding. The move spares 11 Club sites from possible closure, but serious questions remain about the future of this critical funding source.
Earlier this month, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio was notified that the U.S. Department of Education had placed an indefinite hold on funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. The program supports high-quality out-of-school-time learning opportunities and related activities for students in under-resourced communities.
Federal officials have since reversed course and will release the funds for the 2025–2026 school year.
“We are relieved this funding was released and will be available to operate these highly effective 21st Century Community Learning Centers in the coming school year,” said BGCNEO CEO Allen Smith. “At the same time, we remain concerned about the future of this federal program and the remaining funds committed to our sites in the years ahead.”
While the immediate crisis has been averted, the next proposed federal budget eliminates dedicated funding for 21CCLC. It replaces it with a consolidated model that may dramatically reduce support for programs like BGCNEO’s, leaving future operations uncertain.
“The release of funds gives us a lifeline, but not long-term stability,” Smith added. “We are calling on our community to help us build a stronger, more resilient future for the youth who rely on us every day.”
To learn how to support or partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio, visit bgcneo.org/support or contact Erin Turner at eturner@bgcneo.org.
Boys & Girls Clubs are safe, fun places for youth ages 6–18 to go after school, with a focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, leadership and life and workforce readiness. There is no charge to join a Club.
BGCNEO was formed in 2019 by the merger of Clubs in Cleveland, Akron, Lorain County and Sandusky. The organization had about 8,000 Club members in 2024.