After-school programs level the playing field [edsource.org]

For many educators, this is a time of confusion and frustration as we watch continued attacks on federal funding for education — including after-school programming.

We watched with concern earlier this year as the Trump Administration shortsightedly sought to eliminate funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centersprogram for fiscal year 2018. This essential program funds after-school and summer programs for almost two million youth across the country, especially those from low-income families.

We sighed in relief when both houses of Congress rejected the Administration’s draconian move, and restored funding levels for the program in their budget proposals. Now, despite Congress’ affirmation of the importance of after-school programming, the axe has swung again: The Trump Administration has proposed to eliminate the 21^stCentury Community Learning Centers program for fiscal year 2019 — part of a $3.8 billion cut to the Department of Education.

[For more on this story by ELIZABETH BABCOCK, go to https://edsource.org/2018/afte...playing-field/593793]