Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida Urge Swift Release of Federal Youth Program Funds
Potential Delays Threaten Critical Summer and Afterschool Services for Thousands of Local Kids
JACKSONVILLE, FL - Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida is calling on federal leaders to
immediately release approved 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funds that
support vital afterschool and summer learning programs across the country. The funding delay
comes despite bipartisan Congressional approval for FY25 and poses an immediate threat to
services that more than 5,500 young people in Northeast Florida depend on each day.
“For over 60 years, our Clubs have provided a safe place, caring mentors, and life-changing
programs for the kids who need us most,” said Paul Martinez, President/CEO of Boys & Girls
Clubs of Northeast Florida. “From summer learning to workforce readiness, this funding enables
us to deliver results. Delaying it risks shuttering programs and turning families away during the
most critical time of the year. This is not a political issue; it’s about protecting futures.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida operates 59 Clubs across Alachua, Clay, Duval, Nassau,
and St. Johns counties. Club programs focus on five core areas: character and leadership,
education and workforce readiness, the arts, health and wellness, and sports and recreation.
These programs are proven to reduce absenteeism, boost homework completion, and keep kids
on track academically and socially.
Nationally, 21st CCLC programs have helped students overcome chronic absenteeism, improve
grades, and increase family stability. Every $1 invested in Boys & Girls Clubs yields an average
return of $10 to communities through improved outcomes and reduced public costs. Without the
release of these funds, up to 926 Clubs nationwide could be forced to close, displacing more than
220,000 children and eliminating nearly 6,000 youth-serving jobs.
Locally, the impact would be immediate. Dozens of summer camps and year-round sites in
Northeast Florida could face disruptions or reductions in service, placing added strain on
working parents and eliminating safe, enriching environments for thousands of young people.
“With Independence Day just a day away, it’s unthinkable that some of our Club sites and camps
could be forced to close mid-season,” Martinez added. “The families who count on us deserve
better.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida joins Boys & Girls Clubs of America in urging the
Administration to act swiftly and release the funds that have already been approved. Every
moment of delay puts more kids at risk.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida:
For over 60 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida has enabled young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Our 59 Clubs serve more than 5500 young people each day in Alachua, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. Our Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs during critical non-school hours and during the summer. Club programs promote five core areas: character and leadership, education and workforce readiness, the arts, health and wellness, and sports and recreation. In a Harris Survey of Boys & Girls Clubs alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. Learn more at bgcnf.org