Federal Update: FY26 Education Funding Bill Signed
February 10, 2026

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Federal budget signed with picture of capitol building The FY26 federal budget bill that covers several major areas, including education, was signed into law on February 3, 2026. See the bill text here. The signed budget maintains funding at FY25 levels at $79 billion (approximately $217 million above FY 2025 levels). The signed bill also maintains existing K-12 education programs, rejecting the president’s original proposal to consolidate programs.

Regarding Expanded Learning funding, the budget maintains level funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers at $1.3 billion. As a reminder, the federal FY 26 budget runs from Oct 1, 2025-Sept 30, 2026.  FY 26 funds California’s FY 2026-27 budget for 21st CCLC. 

In addition to the funding levels, the bill addresses other education related issues. Two key items that impact 21st CCLC include:

  • Interagency Agreements: The funding plan does not block the U.S. Department of Education (USED) from shifting certain statutorily required program responsibilities to other federal agencies. However, it requires the agencies involved to report to Congress every two weeks on how those interagency agreements are being carried out. 
  • Timing of State Formula Grants: The bill includes an explicit requirement that USED release state formula grant funding on time for FY26 (and for advance funding of FY27). This requirement includes formula grants under the major K-12 funding streams. This is likely a response to the delay in releasing nearly $7 billion in state formula funds in July 2025.

Check out this EducationWeek article Comparing 2026-27 federal education funding with 2025-26 and Trump’s proposals for a more detailed funding breakdown.

What’s Next?

Congress will now start addressing FY 2027 appropriations and you can start reaching out to your members of Congress about afterschool programs today!

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