A state snafu is jeopardizing funding for some after-school programs around Illinois, but the impact on such programs in Springfield is not yet known.
The issue surrounds 21st Century Community Learning Center grants from the state to community organizations. During the pandemic, the state allowed organizations to keep unspent funds – but that has left the state millions of dollars short and unable to fund new grants going forward.
District 186 says that – so far – the situation is not impacting 21st-century programs through the Springfield Urban League and the Boys and Girls Clubs.
It’s not yet known, however, if other afterschool programs, including one operated by the NAACP, may be affected; the State Board of Education is working to identify other funding sources for the programs.
