Trump freezes $168.7 million meant for North Carolina public schools. Here are the programs that will feel it.

The Trump administration is freezing federal funding meant to support English language learners, before- and after-school programs, and other public school initiatives in North Carolina.

The Trump administration has frozen billions of dollars in public school funding, a move that will cost North Carolina about $168.7 million. 

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This funding freeze includes exactly $168,765,433 for North Carolina public schools based on 2024-25 awards, according to a memo from Maurice “Mo” Green, Superintendent of the NC Department of Public Instruction. The affected programs include:

• $5,356,426 – Title I, Part C (Education of Migratory Children) 
• $67,906,396 – Title II, Part A (Supporting Effective Instruction)
• $19,338,744 – Title III, Part A (English Language Acquisition)
• $37,245,499 – Title IV, Part A (Student Support and Academic Enrichment)
• $38,918,368 – Title IV, Part B (21st Century Community Learning Centers)

The U.S. Education Department sent a memo on June 30 informing states that it was freezing over $6 billion in federal funding. As July 1 marked the start of a new fiscal year for state governments, the announcement came just a day before the funds were originally scheduled to be dispersed.

The memo said the Education Department remains committed to “ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the President’s priorities and the Department’s statutory responsibilities.” 

President Trump’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year also listed these programs for elimination, yet it has not gone through Congress.

These programs currently support multiple initiatives, including teacher professional development, before and after-school programs and English-learner services. 

As of Nov. 1, 2024, more than 178,000 NC public school students were identified and assessed as English Learners. According to the Department of Education website, Title IV, Part A, aims to ensure that these students, who “comprise nearly 10 percent of the student population nationwide,” attain English language proficiency and meet the same academic standard as their peers. 

Without these funds, English Language learners and immigrant youth would face greater barriers to educational resources and academic success.

Multiple organizations, like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, also receive federal funding for before- and after-school educational programs under Title IV, Part B. 

According to a statement from Jim Clark, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, up to 926 locations may be forced to close because of the freeze on the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. This could leave more than 220,000 kids without this resource. 

“For over 20 years, 21st CCLC have helped kids succeed — and the results are clear,” Clark’s statement said. “Students show better attendance, stronger engagement, and improved academic outcomes, with 70% completing more homework and nearly half overcoming chronic absenteeism.”

Clark also said many of their summer camp programs could shut down mid-season, leaving many working parents without a safe place to send their kids.

Some school districts are now unsure of their budgets going into the new school year due to the lack of information and communication from the Department of Education. 

“While the [Education Department] reiterated its commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and alignment with the President’s priorities, it has not provided a timeline for final decisions,” Green said.