In President Trump’s proposed 2018 budget, he puts important youth programs -- like Americorps and 21st Century Community Learning Centers -- on the chopping block.
The budget cuts are astounding. AmeriCorps gives more than 80,000 young Americans the chance to serve communities struggling with poverty, hunger, and natural disasters. The same program supports opportunities for youth and young veterans to gain critical job skills and help care for our great outdoors by taking on deferred maintenance projects that are overwhelming our parks and public lands. The Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which provides before- and after-school programs and summer opportunities for low-income children is also slated for complete elimination.
The list of environmental education programs in jeopardy is long. Often grants and programs are administered through agencies like the EPA, Department of Education, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Some of these grants are matched by states or the private sector to make these education programs possible. Sacrificing programs that help kids learn about and explore nature is both shortsighted and irresponsible.
Tell your member of Congress to reject any budget that defunds youth programs.