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Federal Community Schools Funding Update

An abrupt federal funding cut is impacting Full-Service Community Schools across the country,  including here in Wayne County. This page provides updates, context, and ways to stay engaged as we respond.

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LAST UPDATED: January 7, 2026

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An Update on Community Schools Funding in Wayne County

On December 12, 2025, Wayne County Community Schools was notified by the U.S. Department of Education that our Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) federal grant would not continue as planned.

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As a result, our organization is facing a loss of $6 million over the next two years - funding that directly supports more than 18 schools and community partners in providing critical services to students and families across Wayne County, NY.

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This decision was not based on our performance. We have met, and in many cases exceeded, all grant requirements and are recognized nationally as a strong example of how Community Schools can support students and families effectively. â€‹

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We believe grant continuation decisions should be based on results and impact, not shifting political priorities. For that reason, we are continuing to press the U.S. Department of Education for a merit-based review of this decision.

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Right now, we are actively assessing what this funding loss could mean and exploring every possible path forward. We don’t have all the answers yet, but we do know this: Community Schools are effective, and our students and families deserve continued support.

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We are asking our community to stay engaged with us as we navigate this challenge. Your voice, attention, and advocacy matter, and we will continue to share updates and ways to help as next steps become clear.

 

View our official press release here.

Use the button below to subscribe to receive alerts from us as we navigate. 

Timeline of Events

What FSCS Funding Supports in Wayne County

  • Full-time, On-Site Community Schools Coordinators Located in Participating School Buildings

  • After-School Programming and Summer Enrichment

  • Food Pantry

  • STEM Activities

  • STEADY Work Internships

  • Community Schools Theater and Arts

  • Optimal Health Nutritional Support Programming

  • Wayne County Maximizing Out-of-School Time (MOST)

    • Family Movie Nights at the Ohmann Theatre​

    • Free Family Ski and Snowboard Nights

    • Summer Programming

  • Get Ready to GROW Screenings

  • Early Childhood Programming

  • Family and Community Engagement Programming

  • Literacy Volunteers Book Clubs

  • FLCC Support for our High Schools and Dual Credit Enrollment

  • Evaluation

  • Tutoring

  • Peer Mentoring

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Wayne County Community Schools focuses on supporting basic needs, providing enrichment, increasing academic support, meeting mental health needs, school safety and more.  We help young people and families build connections, explore careers, and develop lifelong healthy habits.  Schools connected with our efforts all saw reduced risk factors, including in areas like chronic absence.  Family engagement and youth voice are important to our efforts.  Because our schools are becoming resource hubs, more students said they had an adult they could trust and go to with a problem.  

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Every child in Wayne County has likely benefited from Community Schools. 

 

Across a variety of in-school and out-of-school services, there were 12,566 student encounters - more than one service encounter per student in each year.

How You Can Help

Social Enterprises

Support us by supporting our STEADY Work Social Enterprises! We have an online store and print shop with various items made by local youth. Or, submit a Small Job Project Request!

Make A Donation

Whether it's a monetary donation or a physical item, we're grateful to accept a donation to our programs. Please visit our donation page HERE.

Connect With Us

We invite you to stay connected with us on social media via the buttons below. Additionally, make sure you're subscribed to our website to review newsletters and updates.

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BUDGET

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Purchase Our "Support WCCS" T-Shirt!

Our STEADY Work team is proud to share our newest design to showcase your support for Wayne County Community Schools! Purchase yours at the button below.

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