YMCA calls attention to critical funding need
YMCA of East Tennessee is calling attention to the critical need for continued federal support of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program — a vital funding source for more than 10,000 afterschool programs nationwide, including four operated in low-income areas of Knoxville by YMCA of East Tennessee.
On July 1, the YMCA and other out-of-school childcare providers were notified that the federal government is holding the money to review 21st CCLC funding, even though the funds were mandated by Congress’s Fiscal Year 2025 spending bill and signed by President Donald Trump in March. No timeline or process has been shared for this review.
“If this funding is withheld this fall, 149 children in our community will lose access to Y afterschool,” said Matt Ryerson, President & CEO of the YMCA of East Tennessee. “We’re looking at an immediate $70,000 funding gap this fall and an additional $95,000 to $100,000 needed for the spring semester to serve these families.”
Beyond the 149 students directly affected, the funding loss would impact four full-time YMCA staff members and about 20 part-time childcare counselors.
The ripple effect could be devastating, particularly in East Knoxville, where families rely on this care to maintain steady employment.
