Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau to Host Congressman Chuck Edwards for Site Visit Focused on Afterschool and Summer Learning

The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, the largest afterschool and summer learning program in Jackson County, was honored to host Congressman Chuck Edwards for a site visit focused on 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC). The visit, held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, was hosted in partnership with the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs, the state’s statewide afterschool network. Jamie Atkinson of The Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County and Victoria Brownlee of Dogwood Health Trust also joined the tour.

During the visit, Congressman Edwards met with Club leadership, BGCP members, regional supporters of afterschool and summer learning, and statewide afterschool leaders and advocates. He toured Club facilities, observed programs in action, and heard directly from BGCP members and community members about the profound impact afterschool and summer learning programs have on children and working families throughout his district.

This visit and Congressman Edward’s engagement offered a unique opportunity to shine a light on the critical role that afterschool and summer learning play in the lives of students, working families, and communities. In Western North Carolina and across our state, these programs serve as lifelines for working families by offering affordable, safe care during critical hours. They allow parents to remain in the workforce, strengthening both the regional workforce and the local economy.

The visit also highlighted the importance of 21st CCLC funding. Earlier this year, federal funding was at risk of being cut, which would have impacted millions of young people and afterschool programs nationwide. Thanks to advocacy efforts by parents, educators, and supporters contacting their representatives, 21st CCLC funds were released. In the 11th Congressional District, these centers serve 1,742 students through 12 grantees, who are scheduled to receive $4,548,413 in funding for the 2025–2026 school year.

During the tour, CEO Carmen Waite thanked Congressman Edwards for his support in securing the release of 21st CCLC funds and emphasized why the funding is essential to the Club’s mission. Elizabeth Anderson provided additional context on the program and advocated for continued support in the 2026 federal budget. Victoria Brownlee of Dogwood Health Trust highlighted the importance of both private and public funding in sustaining out-of-school programs and their positive impact on youth.

Afterschool and summer learning programs offer vital academic, social, and emotional support, as well as career development opportunities for youth. They also help working families bridge the gap between school and home. Research consistently shows that regular participation in high-quality out-of-school programs improves school attendance, academic performance, and long-term success for students.