After school programs for children and teens, as well as for programs that help entire families, are hitting a major crossroads after Tuesday, June 30th. That’s when funding for a lot of these programs by the U.S. Department of Education will end. As Project Success of Vermilion County executive director Kimberly David recently explained to CIMG; funding for these programs was originally supposed to be for five years. But thanks to U.S. Department of Education funding cuts, many of them are ending after just two years. The decision was made last December, and a temporary funding agreement is what expires on Tuesday.
After the cancellation of this grant was announced, the organization ACT NOW filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Education challenging that decision. With the case now in limbo, as a federal judge has not yet ruled on certain key issues, a major effort is happening to raise awareness of this battle; a battle for programs that provide meals, childcare, academic enrichment, and access to essential services such as mental health support and hardship assistance. A lack of these programs can be especially felt during the summer months.
An ACT NOW event, a “Summer Jam Community Festival,” is scheduled for Tuesday evening, June 30th, starting at 4:30 PM; at Pine Crest Elementary School in Georgetown. You’ll find children and families participating in activities, educational materials, and examples of community resource engagement.
This vibrant community festival will also be handing out summer backpacks to families, and offering information on local service providers. There will be plenty of bounce house fun and games as well.
Pine Crest Elementary School in Georgetown in at 505 S. Kennedy Drive.
