Aspire Afterschool Learning appealed to the Arlington County Board on June 14 for a $50,000 county grant to make up for an unexpected loss of AmeriCorps funding that the speaker said threatens services for 150 children.

Paula Faimbo, representing Aspire, told the board the program lost AmeriCorps funding in April with immediate effect and that "unless we close our funding gap, 1 in 3 of our students will lose access to Aspire this fall." She said Aspire serves 150 children and families, many from immigrant, Black and low-income households, and requested $50,000 from the county to sustain the program this coming academic year.

Why it matters: Aspire provides no-cost daily academic support for third- through eighth-graders, and the speaker said students in Aspire have made academic gains of as much as two grade levels. The loss of funding, she said, could remove structured after-school learning for roughly 50 students from already-vulnerable families.

Board reaction and next steps: Chair Takis Karantonis acknowledged the program as "irreplaceable" and said the county is in active negotiations to find support. "We are committed to find a solution," Karantonis said. Vice Chair Matt de Ferrante and other members thanked Aspire representatives and called for continued community support; board members encouraged meeting with staff through Open Door Monday and direct follow-up with county officials.

Context and caveats: The speaker asked that any county support not come at the expense of other free afterschool programs. Several board members and the county manager noted the county has limited control over federal AmeriCorps funding but can seek local solutions and coordinate with philanthropy and other funders.

Ending: Board members said they would continue discussions with Aspire and county staff to identify funding strategies and asked the organization to provide materials and specific budget items as part of follow-up negotiations.