ACT Now

ACT Now Working to ensure access to quality afterschool and youth development programs for Illinois youth.

Community schools in Illinois are at risk and need your support! Contact your state representative and urge them to advo...
06/18/2026

Community schools in Illinois are at risk and need your support! Contact your state representative and urge them to advocate for unrestricted access to carryover funds and the full restoration of ACT Now Illinois’ FSCS grants. Our students, families, and communities cannot afford to lose these vital services.

Take action: https://igniteadvocacy.com/go/fscs-call-banking-2026/1087

Illinois students and families are at risk of losing critical community school services when federal funding for ACT Now...
06/17/2026

Illinois students and families are at risk of losing critical community school services when federal funding for ACT Now Illinois’ Full-Service Community Schools grants expires on June 30.

These grants support 32 schools and more than 19,000 students with academic enrichment, mental health services, family engagement programs, food and clothing assistance, and other essential resources. Without continued funding, these proven supports could disappear from communities that rely on them most.

Contact your state representative and urge them to advocate for unrestricted access to carryover funds and the full restoration of ACT Now Illinois’ FSCS grants. Our students, families, and communities cannot afford to lose these vital services.

Email Your Representatives: https://igniteadvocacy.com/go/fscs-action-alert-june-2026/1086

Call Your Representatives: https://igniteadvocacy.com/go/fscs-call-banking-2026/1087

It's Newsletter Tuesday (June 16th, 2026)! Today's newsletter includes updates on proposed changes to federal grant maki...
06/16/2026

It's Newsletter Tuesday (June 16th, 2026)! Today's newsletter includes updates on proposed changes to federal grant making, the Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan, and more!

Read this week's newsletter at https://actnowillinois.org/act-now-newsletter/

Quality doesn't happen by chance - it grows by design!Check out the new Quality Standards visual and stay tuned for the ...
06/11/2026

Quality doesn't happen by chance - it grows by design!

Check out the new Quality Standards visual and stay tuned for the full Illinois Afterschool Quality Standards launch later this month!

06/10/2026

On June 8, 2026, ACT Now Illinois and Metropolitan Family Services appeared in federal court in support of a motion for a preliminary injunction challenging the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to discontinue two Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grants totaling $18.5 million annually. These grants support community schools, afterschool programs, and critical services that reach more than 19,000 students across Illinois. Susan Stanton (ACT Now, Executive Director) and Mary Miller (Educator & Parent) highlight that with summer underway, maintaining these investments is more important than ever to ensure students statewide can continue accessing the learning opportunities, support services, and safe spaces they rely on throughout the year. Parties still await a ruling.

Watch the full coverage here: https://bit.ly/4ac7Noz

Thank you to WAND News for covering the hearing and helping raise awareness about what’s at stake for students, families, and communities statewide.

It's Newsletter Tuesday (June 7th, 2026)! This week's newsletter includes updates on ACT Now's preliminary injunction, C...
06/09/2026

It's Newsletter Tuesday (June 7th, 2026)! This week's newsletter includes updates on ACT Now's preliminary injunction, Code & Polish, and more!

Read this week's newsletter at https://actnowillinois.org/act-now-newsletter/

Today, June 8th, 2026, ACT Now Illinois and Metropolitan Family Services argued in support of a motion for preliminary i...
06/08/2026

Today, June 8th, 2026, ACT Now Illinois and Metropolitan Family Services argued in support of a motion for preliminary injunction in federal court seeking to block the U.S. Department of Education’s unlawful non-continuation of two Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grants totaling $18.5 million annually. This hearing marks the next critical step in the coalition’s ongoing legal fight to protect funding that supports nearly 19,000 students and their families across 32 schools in Illinois. The parties now await a ruling from the judge on the motion for preliminary injunction.

Read ACT Now's full statement: https://actnowillinois.org/act-now-illinois-argues-preliminary-injunction-to-halt-unlawful-federal-decision-to-discontinue-community-schools-grants/

On May 31st, 2026, the Illinois General Assembly passed the FY27 State Budget. Out-of-school time programs matter in Ill...
06/03/2026

On May 31st, 2026, the Illinois General Assembly passed the FY27 State Budget. Out-of-school time programs matter in Illinois, and this budget reflects that in a meaningful way.

For too many families, the hours after the school day ends and the summer months are the hardest times to manage. This budget helps ensure that those hours don’t fall into a gap where kids are left without the support they need. It keeps doors open for programs that help provide the structure and connection when working parents need it the most.

However, Illinois has a long way to go in meeting the needs of all children and families.

For every one child in afterschool, three more need spots in afterschool. These programs are essential to keeping youth safe, fulfilling their potential and ensuring parents’ peace of mind while they work. This year, we called for a budget that starts an additional annual investment of $40 million per year over ten years to make Illinois the first state that guarantees out-of-school time for all. And now with the new revenue included in this budget, we have an opportunity to start closing this gap and expanding access to the programs children and families depend on.

Read ACT Now's full statement on the FY27 State Budget at https://actnowillinois.org/afterschool-wins-statement-on-the-fy27-budget/

06/02/2026

On May 31st, 2026, the Illinois General Assembly passed the FY27 State Budget. Out-of-school time programs matter in Illinois, and this budget reflects that in a meaningful way.

Thank you to our legislative champions and to the advocates from every corner of the state for your tireless efforts this spring. Every email sent, phone call made, and trip to Springfield helped protect critical afterschool programs and the students and families who rely on them. Your collective advocacy ensured these programs will continue to serve communities, youth, and families across Illinois.

Read our full statement at https://actnowillinois.org/afterschool-wins-statement-on-the-fy27-budget/

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