Updated 7/2/25 @ 1:06pm
What’s happening now
The federal government has frozen nearly $6.8 billion in K–12 funding—set to be released yesterday, July 1—as part of a broader move by the current administration to withhold key education resources, including the $1.4 billion earmarked for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC).
These funds support essential programs for before and after school, summer learning, and more—critical programs that thousands of Montana families count on every day.
The Real Impact
At Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW), we anticipated potential funding cuts outlined in the federal administrative budget. What we did not anticipate was a complete funding freeze on the very day those funds were to be released, with no formal notice from state or federal agencies.
This abrupt action has left us, and organizations like ours, without the funding needed to launch and sustain programming during a critical time for working families and school-aged children. This immediate halt is impacting programs that are operating RIGHT NOW. Programs that rely on this funding to launch summer and fall services are now in limbo, and the consequences are unfolding in real time.
Why This Matters
This is not just a challenge for schools or nonprofits. It’s a direct threat to working families, local businesses, and community stability:
- Across Montana, 76 sites serve over 9,100 students (low-income communities, rural, and tribal districts) without after school programming.
- In Gallatin and Park County, more than 1,200 children WILL be impacted.
- Afterschool programs could shut down, causing a ripple effect for the local workforce.
- Parents depend on these services to keep working; losing them threatens family stability and local employment.
- Studies confirm: every $1 spent saves $3 on reduced crime, higher graduation rates, and lower social costs.
- Montana already faces some of the highest youth suicide rates in the nation—afterschool programs offer more than care—they provide mentoring, academic support, and connection that prevent dropouts and even reduce youth suicide risk.
- If 21st Century afterschool programs shut down, the workforce will feel it immediately.
- 4 in 5 parents say afterschool programs help them keep their jobs. Without these programs, parents will be forced to reduce hours or leave work entirely, leading to serious disruptions for local businesses already facing staffing shortages.
This isn’t a hypothetical ripple effect, it’s a direct threat to our local economy. Afterschool care is a workforce necessity, not a luxury.
What’s at Stake
- Program closures across schools and rural communities.
- Lost child care options for working families.
- Economic instability, as working parents are forced to leave jobs and businesses face greater staffing challenges.
- Increased strain on schools already stretched thin. Afterschool supports the academic, social and behavioral development of children.
- Dropout rates will increase. Studies show children enrolled in afterschool are more likely to advance to the next grade level and graduate on time.
- Suicides rates in children WILL increase. Afterschool programs provide a safe and engaging environment for children to thrive, furthermore it’s a lifeline for children struggling allowing them additional supports need to thrive.
- Long-term community impact—from increased public costs to diminished future workforce potential.
How you can help:
Donate: Help sustain kidsLINK programs during this uncertain time – donate online now.
Stay Informed: Follow updates on our social media and on this post at greatergallatinunitedway.org. Read our press release.
Share Your Story: Fill out this online form to share how afterschool programs support your children and family.
Make Your Voice Heard: Urge local leaders and lawmakers to protect these vital investments.
This is about our kids’ future, community health, and economic stability. Your action now can help preserve the programs that keep Montana strong.
“At Greater Gallatin United Way, 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CLCC) funding is essential to sustaining high-quality afterschool and summer programming for 10 local sites, including rural communities. While we were aware of the proposed reductions in the federal budget, the abrupt freeze on July 1 was both unexpected and deeply concerning. This abrupt halt puts critical services at risk—services that support working families, local businesses, and economic vitality. We remain hopeful that this action will be reviewed and contested, as the long-term cost of inaction would be devastating for Montana’s children and communities.”
“21st Century funding is essential to keeping our afterschool and summer programs running,” said Kim Hall, CEO/President of Greater Gallatin United Way. “This unexpected pause puts real pressure on families, businesses, and the kids who count on us every day. We’re doing everything we can to protect these vital services for our community.”
