Federal freeze could impact migrant and after-school programs in Arizona

YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — A $6 billion freeze on federal education funding is putting pressure on school districts across the country, and Arizona educators say the impact could hit vulnerable students the hardest.

In Yuma County, migrant families rely on summer and after-school programs to keep their children learning. With federal funds now on hold, school officials say they’re facing difficult decisions about whether those programs will return next year.

For families like Gloria’s, the migrant education program made a lasting impact. “Because we didn’t have the funds to pay for those things, and that’s how they graduated,” she said.

Her children are now adults with careers, but as a grandmother, she worries about what will happen if funding goes away. “It’s very important that they don’t take it out because they do help a lot,” she said.

Arizona is currently facing a $118 million freeze in education funds that were expected to be distributed at the beginning of July. According to the U.S. Department of Education, those funds are under review. That includes money for programs supporting migrant students and English language learners.

Some parents are speaking about the potential cuts and their impact. “The main purpose of them coming here is to learn English, right? And to have an opportunity like we do,” said Patricia Lopez, a Yuma resident.

Arizona has more than 10,000 migratory students. An elementary district in San Luis has already warned it may need to cut key programs if the funding isn’t restored.

Josh Stine with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley said the funding freeze is already raising concerns across the Phoenix area. He said about 10 school sites in the Cartwright School District No. 83 and Mesa Public Schools could be affected.

“Our most vulnerable kids would be the ones impacted the most,” Stine said.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which helps fund Boys & Girls Clubs across the state, is also part of the freeze. Stine said the delay could result in $1.3 million in lost funding and affect thousands of students and families who rely on the program.

“The funds have been set aside and they are in the budget, let’s release them and get them out to our districts so we can serve families,” said Stine.

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