Illinois State Board of Education Denied Renewal of Federal Funding, Putting Long-Standing Programs at Risk
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois (BGCCIL) is facing a critical funding crisis after the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) declined to renew a $1.2 million 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st Century) grant made available through the federal government. This is a devastating and unprecedented loss for the BGCCIL which is the largest no-cost afterschool childcare program in District 186, and works tirelessly to provide vital support, mentorship, and resources to at-risk youth in the community.
This unexpected loss of funding will effectively end 10 years of after-school programming at eight crucial BGCCIL sites, leaving roughly 700 students and their families with no alternative afterschool childcare and 70 staff members without jobs. The decision by ISBE will end programming at District 186 elementary school sites with the most diverse needs and highest poverty rates: Dubois Elementary School, Fairview Elementary School, Matheny-Withrow Elementary School, Ridgely Elementary School, St Patrick’s Catholic School, Black Hawk Elementary School, Harvard Park Elementary School, and Franklin Middle School.
The lack of transparency and timely communication from ISBE throughout this grant process, coupled with the delayed funding decision coming halfway into the school year has left the Club with devastatingly limited options. The BGCCIL is appealing ISBE’s decision and is working diligently to secure the essential funding needed to keep these Club sites open. This includes launching a fundraising drive to ensure children have a safe place to learn and grow this winter. Donations can be made at https://bgccil.org/donate-2/.
“I understand there are times when tough decisions need to be made, but the lack of collaboration from agencies that provide this funding and the organizations that supply critical services to our communities has left children’s lives hanging in the balance,” said Tiffany Mathis Posey, BGCCIL CEO and Executive Director. “For many of the families we serve, parents are already living paycheck to paycheck. Without free afterschool care parents may have to cut back on work hours or quit altogether to care for their children. Even worse, some may be forced to leave their children at home alone.”
Of the agencies that were awarded the 21st Century Grants, none are in the Central Illinois region, and none were awarded to long standing, ongoing programs.
“This news comes at a time when the youth we serve are facing unprecedented challenges, from community violence and academic setbacks to food insecurity and homelessness,” said Mathis Posey. “The loss of our afterschool programs will place additional pressure on other public services such as food pantries, social service agencies and public assistance programs, further straining already overburdened systems.”
The BGCCIL is also grappling with the ramifications this funding loss will have on its staff, which includes a team of long-time educators and mentors who have worked with the same group of children over several years.
“These staff members know which students need additional academic support, who may require social-emotional help, and who are excelling in certain areas,” Mathis Posey emphasized. “They provide a comforting sense of continuity for both students and families, offering consistent mentorship and building strong, lasting relationships. In this environment, students feel secure, supported, and understood – key ingredients for success.”
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. We are positioned to serve more than 2,000 youth at our Central Unit and 21 elementary and middle schools covering two counties (Sangamon & Morgan). BGCCIL provides character building activities and academic programs designed to deliver measurable outcomes and a safe environment with caring adults. For additional information visit http://bgccil.org
***Courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois***
