Latest news with #BoysAndGirlsClubs
CBS News
5 days ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Bears WR DJ Moore teams up with Boys & Girls Clubs to help kids prepare for back to school
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore and his family helped local youth get ready to go back to school on Friday. Moore and his Moore2Life Foundation teamed up with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago at Bartlett J. McCartin Club in Bridgeport to hand out backpacks filled with school supplies donated by Cradles to Crayons to 120 kids. Spending some quality time in the community is something Moore enjoys. "Taking the time out of my day, and just spending it with them, it means so much to me, but it means a lot to them too, because they didn't even know that I was coming today. So it's like a surprise, and now they're going to be like, 'Dang, he might come back another day,' and just want to keep coming back," he said. "My life get hectic with football, so having this back to school event at the Boys and Girls Club here, they've been a safe environment. Been kids in here for over 100 years here in Chicago. So it's been amazing." Moore also hosted a pizza party and joined the kids in other games and activities. Back to school time is here for the Bears. On Saturday, rookies report for the start of training camp. Veterans report to camp on Tuesday.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oregon youth programs at risk amid federal education funding freeze
PORTLAND, Ore. () — As the President Donald Trump administration halts over $6 billion in federal education funding, Oregon organizations that serve hundreds of children may face devastating consequences. The Oregon Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs warns that several of their satellite sites may be forced to shut down if funding isn't restored soon. Oregon man with weapons in car arrested in DC The U.S. Department of Education recently announced a hold on billions in federal education dollars, including money designated for 21st Century Community Learning Centers. These grants support after-school and summer programs, particularly those formed through strong partnerships between school districts and community-based organizations. In Oregon, clubs in Greater Santiam, Western Lane County, and Emerald Valley are among the recipients of this grant. 'School year kick-off is a really looming date,' said Bethany Thramer, Director of the Oregon Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs. 'If funding isn't in place or expected, the kind of pressure it puts on the organization is significant.' With the school year rapidly approaching, the Oregon Alliance stands to lose $1.41 million in funding, according to Thramer. That shortfall could lead to: Closure of three satellite sites Layoffs affecting up to 13 staff members Hundreds of youth left without a safe, enriching place to go after school or during summer break Many of the young people impacted come from underserved and rural communities—areas where options for after-school care are already scarce. 'When there are only a couple of options for where kids can go, where they can stay involved, it's really essential we keep the doors open,' Thramer emphasized. Thousands without power in Vancouver Thramer says the organization is doing everything it can to secure alternative public and private funding to avoid shutdowns. 'I know we are not alone,' she said. 'Community organizations across the state are facing challenging times.' As of now, the U.S. Department of Education has not provided a timeline for when—or if—the frozen funds will be released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
After-school special: Latest Trump funding freeze hits summer classes midswing
The Trump administration is effectively shutting down a vast swath of summer programming and after-school activities after it froze more than $6 billion of funding to these programs this week. Schools and organizations across the country have already informed parents to look at alternative options for their children, saying if the funding isn't released soon, many activities will be canceled immediately. And the options to mount a legal challenge or find other funding sources seem limited, as lawsuits take time and many states have already set their budgets for the year. In Augusta, Ga., where more than 50 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, 1,100 kids daily go the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta, with about 200 employees ensuring the programming runs smoothly. 'We have summer camps rolling right now. I'm depending on a reimbursement in July. … If we don't get that, we have kids who won't be served,' said Kim Evans, the organization's president and CEO, adding her group typically receives $3 million from the federal government per year. 'We also have staff who are concerned about whether or not they're going to have a job,' Evans said. A Gallup poll found that 30 million students were involved in some kind of summer session in 2024. An estimated 3.3 million went to summer school, according to ThinkImpact. And 13 percent of K-12 students participate in after-school programming, according to federal data. The programs received no heads-up before the Education Department sent out memos that the funding would be paused, with no timeline for when it could be eventually released. The White House has said it is reviewing the funds due to alleged abuse and peddling a 'left-wing radical agenda.' 'This is an ongoing programmatic review of education funding. Initial findings have shown that many of these grant programs have been grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda. In one case, NY public schools used English Language Acquisition funds to promote illegal immigrant advocacy organizations. In another, Washington state used funds to direct illegal immigrants towards scholarships intended for American students,' a spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget said. 'In yet another, School Improvement funds were used to conduct a seminar on 'queer resistance in the arts.' As stated before, this is an ongoing programmatic review and no decisions have been made yet,' the spokesperson added. But the clock is ticking. Evans said normal operations won't be able to last longer than a month before her group will have to start reducing the number of students served, programs offered and potentially staff on the payroll. Heidi Sipe, superintendent of the Umatilla School District in Oregon, said she has already sent out a message to families urging them to look at alternative after-school options for their kids if funding isn't restored. For roughly 20 years, after-school programs at the district were funded through the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, allowing half of the student body to attend one or more after-school sessions every year. 'We started this program because of the great need that [parents] had, and that hasn't changed in that period of time. And so, they will really be put in a pretty precarious situation as they try to figure out how to best take care of their children during that gap between when school releases and when they are home,' Sipe said, adding that more than 700 students attended one or more of the six-week sessions offered throughout the school year. The programs offered at the school include the STEAM Academy of Umatilla, which focuses primarily on science, technology, engineering, arts and math, but also remedial academic help such as homework assistance or tutoring. Frantic talks about what to do are ongoing at programs nationwide, but advocates are not optimistic about alternative funding options right now. Trying to raise the money organically in such a short amount of time is an impossible task, Evans said, and lawsuits take months or years to get through the courts. While a switch in priorities between presidential administrations is typical, Sipe said the federal government, normally, will let the contract time run its course instead of immediately taking away the money. 'What's abnormal this time is that it's happening in the middle of a grant cycle. So, instead of future grant opportunities not being available and us having a couple of years as this grant cycle finishes out, to be able to plan for that — instead, it's right in the middle of our grant cycle,' Sipe said. 'We don't have the opportunity at a month's notice, basically, to secure over $500,000 worth of funding. That's not something that's going to happen in a month. And so, unfortunately, that will mean the end of after-school — as we currently know it — for our community, until we can develop some sort of solution, if that's possible,' she added. That abruptness been a common theme in the Trump administration's funding cuts, with multiple contract cancellations that have thrown K-12 and higher education leaders into a tailspin. Sixteen Democratic-led states sued this week over the Trump administration's $1 billion in cuts to mental health resources for schools. Teacher preparation programs and funding for education research were also suddenly pulled at the beginning of the administration, while colleges and universities have lost billions of dollars in funding. And more is likely on the way as Secretary of Education Linda McMahon looks to shutter the Department of Education. The administration has listed a range of concerns to explain its cuts and freezes. Some of the money, it says, has gone to funding left-wing priorities, such as gender identity, or issues that should not be under the purview of the federal government. Some universities are being punished specifically for their alleged inaction against antisemitism. The latest round of cuts, however, surprised Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance. 'In many ways, these programs align with the president's agenda. They're community-based, they're locally driven, state-level, and, another piece, they're voluntary. So, parents choose to have their kids go to these programs. … We were actually hopeful that the Trump administration would help create more opportunities in this space,' Grant said. 'The whole campaign around Make America Healthy Again … after-school is a place where kids have all sorts of opportunities to engage in physical activity, whether it's soccer or baseball,' Grant added. 'There's just many things in our programming that align with this administration's priorities.' She predicts many programs that have wide bipartisan support in communities will have to close. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
KCAL Cares spotlights resources offered by Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles
KCAL Cares is spotlighting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles for providing a safe and nurturing space where children can discover their superpowers. The Challengers Clubhouse of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles offers a tennis academy where court time and lessons are a part of the curriculum. It helps expose them to a sport that, without the clubhouse, they might not ever have the chance of trying. "These kids get to play tennis at least once or twice a week from the age of 5 all the way to age 18," said Alejandra Liera, site director at the Challengers Clubhouse. Yahuzar aims at being on the court all day, perfecting his game and becoming a better competitor. While Yahuzar discovered his superpower on the court, other kids are developing gifts and talents elsewhere at the Challengers Clubhouse. Liera said beyond the tennis courts, there's a massive gym, classrooms, game rooms and impressive memorabilia left by high-profile supporters. "It takes a community to keep this going," Liera said. The Boys and Girls Clubs operate year-round, providing a safe place for kids to come when they're not in school. They not only offer opportunities like the Challengers Clubhouse but also nourishing meals to prevent hunger and that can facilitate focus. Charlie has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club since kindergarten. "They help us grow and learn and improve my reading, my math and my writing," Charlie said. Fourth grader Haley wants to be a broadcaster when she grows up. She interviewed KCAL News Sports Anchor Darren Haynes about his work. Hayley has not only learned resilience here, but she's made friends and discovered her superpower. Even though summer has just begun, the Boys and Girls Clubs are already preparing to outfit these kids for back to school and they're asking the public to pitch in. "We are in need of materials like pencils, scissors and sports equipment," Liera said. Liera has built an Amazon wish list that includes supplies that the cubs are in need of. You can help bring school supplies to kids who might not otherwise have them. Scan the QR code for a direct link to the Boys and Girls Club Amazon wish list. KCAL Cares is proud to support the clubs and the kids and outfit them for success. Whether or not they become a future Grand Slam winner, these kids will have a lot of fun learning and even teaching. Perhaps the most important lesson here: in every endeavor, sportsmanship is key.
CBS News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Trump administration freezes billions in funding for after-school and summer programs
Day camp providers and schools say the Trump administration's funding freeze could ruin summer for low-income American families and jeopardize some after-school programs next year. The administration is holding back over $6 billion in federal grants for after-school and summer programs, English language instruction, adult literacy and more as it conducts a review to ensure grants are aligned with President Trump's priorities. The move creates uncertainty for states and schools as they budget for programs this summer and in the upcoming school year because they don't know if or when they'll receive the funding. Democrats say the administration is flouting the law by holding back congressionally appropriated money. Without the funds, schools say they won't be able to provide free or affordable after-school care for low-income kids while their parents work and may not be able to hire staff to teach children who are learning English. Classes or camps underway this summer could be in jeopardy, too. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America depend on some of this funding to run their camps and other summer programming for low-income students. If it's not restored soon, the programming could end mid-season, said Boys and Girls Club President Jim Clark. After-school programming in the fall could also take a hit. "If these funds are blocked, the fallout will be swift and devastating," Clark said. As many as 926 Boys and Girls Clubs could close, affecting more than 220,000 kids, the group said. Programs relying on the money were expecting it to be distributed July 1, but an Education Department notice issued Monday announced the money would not be released while the programs are under review. The department didn't provide a timeline and warned that "decisions have not yet been made" on grants for the upcoming school year. "The Department remains committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the President's priorities and the Department's statutory responsibilities," Education Department officials wrote in the notice, which was obtained by The Associated Press. The department referred questions to the Office of Management and Budget, which did not respond to a request for comment. GADSDEN, Ala. Cassiyah Hayes takes a moment to read a book in the media center of George W. Floyd Elementary School in Gadsden, Ala., on June 25, 2025. Andi Rice for The Washington Post via Getty Images In Gadsden City Schools in Alabama, officials say they'll have no choice but to shutter their after-school program, which serves more than 1,200 low-income students, if federal funds aren't released. There's no other way to make up for the frozen federal money, said Janie Browning, who directs the program. Families who rely on after-school programs would lose an important source of child care that keeps children safe and engaged while their parents work. The roughly 75 employees of the district's after-school programs may lose their jobs. "Those hours between after school and 6 o'clock really are the hours in the day when students are at the most risk for things that may not produce great outcomes," Browning said. "It would be devastating if we lost the lifeline of afterschool for our students and our families." Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance, said withholding the money could cause lasting damage to the economy. Some advocates fear the grants are being targeted for elimination, which could force schools to cut programs and teachers. Mr. Trump's 2026 budget proposal called on Congress to zero out all of the programs under review, signaling the administration sees them as unnecessary. Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington pressed the Trump administration to spend the money as Congress intended. "Every day that this funding is held up is a day that school districts are forced to worry about whether they'll have to cut back on afterschool programs or lay off teachers instead of worrying about how to make sure our kids can succeed," Murray said in a statement. The six grant programs under review include one known as 21st Century Community Learning Centers. It's the primary federal funding source for after-school and summer learning programs and supports more than 10,000 local programs nationwide, according to the Afterschool Alliance. Every state runs its own competition to distribute the grants, which totaled $1.3 billion this fiscal year. Also under review are $2 billion in grants for teachers' professional development and efforts to reduce class size; $1 billion for academic enrichment grants, often used for science and math education and accelerated learning; $890 million for students who are learning English; $376 million to educate the children of migrant workers; and $715 million to teach adults how to read. These programs account for over 20% of the federal money the District of Columbia receives for K-12 education, according to an analysis by the Learning Policy Institute, a think tank. California alone has over $800,000 in limbo, while Texas has over $660,000. "Trump is illegally impounding billions of dollars appropriated by Congress to serve students this fiscal year," said Tony Thurmond, California's state superintendent, in a statement. "The Administration is punishing children when states refuse to cater to Trump's political ideology. The loss of funds could "put several more school districts in extreme financial distress," said Chris Reykdal, superintendent of public instruction in Washington state. Districts have already adopted budgets, planned programming and hired staff, assuming they'd receive the money, Reykdal said. If the funding freeze remains, children learning English and their parents would be especially affected. Some districts use the money to pay for summer programming designed for English learners, family engagement specialists who can communicate with parents and professional development training for staff. Rural districts would be hit the hardest. "They're trying to send a message," said Amaya Garcia, who oversees education research at New America, a left-leaning think tank. "They don't believe that taxpayer funding should be used for these children." Umatilla School District in rural eastern Oregon — with a sizable population of migrant families and students learning English — relies heavily on federal funding for its after-school and summer school programs. Superintendent Heidi Sipe says she is meeting with state officials soon to find out if the district will have to plan an early end to summer school, an option 20% of students are using. Come this fall, if federal money stays frozen, she'll have to lay off staff and eliminate after-school programs attended by around half the district's students. "It's an essential service in our community because we don't have any licensed child care centers for school-age children," she said. Sipe said it's particularly frustrating to deal with these funds being put into limbo because the school district was in the middle of a five-year grant period. "It feels preventable," she said, "and it feels as though we could have done a better job planning for America's children."
