Illinois State Board of Education Federal Grant Funding Cuts Impact Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Locations
Despite Funding Cuts, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago to Ensure Impacted Youth
Have Access to Programs at Eight Locations Across the City
CHICAGO (January 29, 2025) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC), a 123-year-old nonprofit dedicated to empowering the city’s youth, announced today the significant impact of Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) federal funding cuts on its programming. Twelve of BGCC’s 20 locations operate through critical funding from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant administered by ISBE. This grant, totaling $1.7 million, has enabled BGCC to provide mentorship and quality programming to youth in historically underserved communities during vulnerable out-of-school hours.
ISBE has announced it will not renew this vital grant, forcing the closure of these 12 Club locations at the end of this school year. The closures will have a devastating impact on the 5,300 BGCC youth who depend on these safe spaces each day.
BGCC is committed to supporting our youth and families through this transition and will provide opportunities for affected youth to join its eight Club locations across Chicago. All eight sites offer expanded programming, including weekend and summer activities. Additionally, BGCC is actively exploring new funding opportunities to assist families in accessing these sites.
“While this funding loss presents undeniable challenges, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago remains resilient,” said Mimi LeClair, BGCC's Interim President and CEO. “Our team is dedicated to ensuring the continuity of high-quality programming for as many youth as possible. We are committed to navigating this transition with care, transparency, and an unwavering focus on empowering the next generation.”
To support Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s efforts at a time when our young people need us most, visit bgcc.org/donate.
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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
Serving Chicago families since 1902, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC) uses a comprehensive blend of mentoring and programming to provide youth ages 5 to 22 the tools they need to become well-rounded and successful adults. Filling the out-of-school hours, which can be the most dangerous for young people, BGCC offers academic, social, and leadership activities for students in some of Chicago’s most underserved neighborhoods. Youth are matched with professional adult mentors, giving kids a safe place to learn, grow, and succeed. Learn more at: www.bgcc.org.
Media Contact: Francesca Callahan
239-776-5092