"These programs at Family Academy of Multilingual Exploration (FAME) were funded by the Full-Service Community Schools grant, a federal program that prioritized helping students found to be the most underserved. The Education Department abruptly canceled the grant in mid-December, affecting programs in 11 states and D.C., because the grantees had mentioned diversity, equity and inclusion in their applications. The programs do not align with the Trump administration's priorities, according to an agency spokesperson."
"The cancellations cut off $168 million in funding for after-school clubs, tutoring, dental exams, parenting classes and more, advocates say. The five-year grant aimed to transform campuses into community schools, a model for public schools that offers services beyond those of a typical school, such as health care, laundry services, or classes for senior citizens. The money was suspended Jan. 1, leaving principals and superintendents scrambling for spare cash in the middle of the school year, when it tends to be the hardest to find."
"State leaders have had to dig into their coffers to keep programs afloat, but only after the sudden cuts wreaked havoc on schools, causing layoffs and interrupting services such as mental health care. Students who need the most help - including poor children, immigrants and students of color - are getting less programming since the Trump administration has shut off funding because it aimed to specifically help them."
More than 400 students returned to find programs missing after the Education Department canceled Full-Service Community Schools grants. The cancellations removed $168 million that funded after-school clubs, tutoring, dental exams, parenting classes and other community-school services. The agency suspended funding after grantees mentioned diversity, equity and inclusion in applications, saying the programs did not align with administration priorities. Grants affected programs in 11 states and D.C., leaving principals scrambling for funds midyear. State leaders have tapped reserves to sustain services, but sudden cuts caused layoffs and interruptions to supports such as mental health care for vulnerable students.
#full-service-community-schools #federal-funding-cuts #diversity-equity-and-inclusion #community-school-services
Read at The Washington Post
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