$47M In Federal Funds For GA After-School Programs Could Be Restored

ATLANTA, GA — With the U.S. Department of Education expected to soon release some federal funds at the center of President Donald Trump's grant freeze, Georgia's top education official applauds the measure but urges the deliverance of all approved funds to local schools.

In a reversal, Education Department on Monday could authorize the release of $1.3 billion in grant funds for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, the Associated Press reported.

The Trump administration on July 1 paused at least $6 billion in funding already appropriated by Congress that could impact after-school, student support, teacher training, English language, adult literacy and other education programs in Georgia.

But Monday may bring a change for the state's after-school and summer programs if the CLC receives its promised money.

According to the Learning Policy Institute, Georgia stood to lose $47,106,295 if the CLC program was eliminated.

“I appreciate the U.S. Department of Education taking a step toward releasing federal education funds to Georgia’s districts, schools and students by releasing funds for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. These funds are essential to supporting afterschool and summer learning programs that Georgia families rely on," Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods said in a news release Friday.

"At the same time, I urge the department to release the remaining funds without delay. As I shared earlier this summer, I believe strongly in fiscal responsibility, which means both evaluating spending and releasing funds already approved by Congress and signed into law by President Trump. Georgia has consistently demonstrated that we’re good stewards of federal education dollars, directing them where they’re most needed to support student learning. With a new school year about to begin, it’s critical that all approved funds are made available to ensure students start strong and educators have the support they need.”

RELATED: $201M In GA Education Funding Paused By Trump Administration: See Impacted Programs

Without the money, schools say they will not be able to provide free or affordable after-school care for low-income kids while their families work, and may not be able to hire staff to teach children who are learning English. Even classes or summer camps already underway this summer were in jeopardy.

The Trump administration on Wednesday obtained a letter from 10 Republican senators requesting frozen education money be allocated to states, the Associated Press reported.

The senators wrote the funding, which was approved by Congress in a bill signed by Trump, long ago received bipartisan support and is crucial to local areas, the Associated Press reported.

“We share your concern about taxpayer money going to fund radical left-wing programs,” the senators wrote to the Office of Management and Budget, per the Associated Press. “However, we do not believe that is happening with these funds.”

The Education Department's impending announcement comes as the new school year will begin as early as July 31 for some Georgia districts, including the City Schools of Decatur and Henry County Schools.

ALSO SEE: Get The Latest Local News (For Free!) With One Quick Tap