Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County officials didn’t receive the more than $500,000 they traditionally expect from the federal government on July 1.
On June 30, the U.S. Department of Education notified states that 21st Century Community Learning Center funding wouldn’t be distributed on its traditional date, and funding is being reviewed.
Local club officials call the decision “an unprecedented action with direct impacts on our current programs, staff and the youth we serve.”
National club officials say the failure to release the funding that already received bipartisan congressional approval will result in summer camp closures, staff layoffs and hundreds of clubs potentially closing for good in the coming weeks.
Funding through 21st Century allows Wayne County’s staff to provide one-on-one tutoring, transportation from schools to the club and transportation home, enhanced educational opportunities, and make its programming affordable. Wayne County’s club membership has remained $15 per year per child for many years.
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BGCWC operates sites in Pershing, Hagerstown and Richmond, plus its summer camp in Connersville.
Club staff are optimistic that federal officials could lift the funding hold if they receive public pressure. They ask residents to call congressional offices or send a written message, both of which can be done online at bgca.quorum.us/campaign/132348/
A version of this article appeared in the July 9 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.