For many families, back-to-school season is a time of promise. New backpacks, sharpened pencils, and fresh lesson plans fill classrooms with energy. But in Massachusetts this year, that optimism is overshadowed by a wave of uncertainty. Over $108 million in federal education funding, already promised and budgeted, is being withheld by the current Administration in Washington.
These dollars are the backbone of programs our schools rely on: after-school activities that provide a safe space for more than 154,792 Massachusetts children, mental health support at a time when nearly 1 in 5 young people nationwide experience a mental health disorder, and literacy programs and tutoring to help close learning gaps for roughly 60% of Massachusetts students who are reading below grade level. Federal funds also support school meals that are a lifeline for the 37% of Massachusetts households experiencing food insecurity. Cuts to these programs would deepen the strain on families already struggling to afford essentials like groceries and childcare. Without this funding, districts will be forced to lay off staff, eliminate programs, and leave students without the resources they count on.
These funding cuts have the largest impact on low-income families who already face difficult choices every day. Without the support of after-school programs, mental health services, and school meal programs, many families will lose critical resources that help keep their children safe, healthy, and engaged. For parents juggling multiple jobs or struggling to afford childcare, these cuts mean added stress and fewer options. When schools lose these funds, whole communities feel the strain as families try to stretch limited resources to cover basic needs.
At Lend A Hand, we understand the pressure these families are under and we are working to provide a crucial safety net. Our emergency assistance grants help families facing unexpected expenses avoid having to choose between rent, childcare, or groceries. LAH support helps ease the burdens that come when essential school programs lose funding.