SPOKANE, Wash. — Nearly 1,000 Spokane County children could lose summer and before and after-school programs next year despite recent federal funding being reinstated after a Trump administration freeze.
Communities in Schools Northeast Washington, which operates summer and before and after-school programs at two West Valley School District schools and eight different Spokane Public Schools, received relief last week when federal funding was released after a three-week pause.
The organization partners with school districts to provide educational and support services.
“We’re all super relieved that [the funding] has been released,” said Debra Raub, executive director of Communities in Schools Northeast Washington.
The programs focus on students who need additional support, particularly those struggling with attendance.
“If a school has an attendance goal, we’re going to find those kids that are struggling with attendance, and then we work intensively with those kids,” Raub said. “Providing incentives, creating goals and checking in with them on a regular basis.”
In addition to educational opportunities, the schools offer a safe place for kids to spend time.
“That’s over 1,000 kids that are used to having a safe space to be after school. We tailor their interests and provide a lot of programs that the kids inform us they want,” Raub said.
Students also receive two free meals daily during the summer programs, which many might not otherwise have access to during the break from school. Gonzaga University also provides additional snacks for the three-week program.
“This is a great opportunity for our kids who are a little bit less advantaged to have opportunities to have some fun and learn and just be with their friends and have some things to do outside,” said Lisa Kleven, administrator of the Logan Communities in Schools program.
Despite the recent funding reinstatement, uncertainty remains about the future of these programs. Funding could be in jeopardy if the Trump Administration moves to consolidate or reduce the amount of grant funding for these kinds of programs.
The organization said potential cuts could be devastating for local children and families.
“For some families, the kids are just at home and don’t really have any outside activities. They might not have money to go and do swim lessons or any other sports or things like that,” Kleven said.
Communities in Schools said it is working to find other funding sources and working with legislators to maintain funding stability.
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