Illinois students and families are at risk of losing critical community school services as federal funding for ACT Now Illinois' Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grants is set to expire on June 30. These grants support 32 schools serving more than 19,000 students across Illinois with academic enrichment, mental health services, family engagement programs, food and clothing assistance, and other essential supports. The U.S. Department of Education's decision not to continue funding threatens these proven programs and the communities that rely on them.
Call your state representative today and urge them to advocate for unrestricted access to carryover funds and the full restoration of ACT Now Illinois' FSCS grants before students and families lose access to these vital resources.
THE CALL SCRIPT WILL SHOW UP WHEN YOU PRESS "CALL NOW: buttons for elected officials, but it is posted below:
Staff Member: Thank you for calling Representative [Last Name]’s office. How may I help you?
Caller: Hello, my name is [Your Full Name] from [City or Town], and I am calling on behalf of [Name of School, Afterschool Program, or Organization]. [Only include if in their district]
Staff Member: Wonderful, what can I do for you?
Caller: I'm calling about the Full-Service Community Schools grants that support Community School programs serving more than 19,000 students and families across Illinois, including in the Representative’s district. These programs provide critical services to students like afterschool and summer programs, mental and physical health support, food, laundry, support for parents– and anything students need to be successful in school and life.
The U.S. Department of Education non-continued grants in Illinois for this program affecting 32 schools. We have been fighting this decision in court, but our short-term funding runs out 6/30/26. This will have a disastrous effect on our schools and local economy. Many schools have already laid off staff, decreased or closed down services and programming, and these losses will only get worse.
As an impacted constituent, I am urging Representative [Last Name] to reach out to the Department of Education and support unrestricted access to carryover funds and restoration of the Full-Service Community Schools grants to ACT Now so these critical services can continue for Illinois students and families.
Can I count on the Representative to review this issue and share my concerns with the Department?
Staff Member: Thank you, I will share your message with Representative [Last Name]. Do you have a phone number or email address we can contact you at if we have follow-up questions?
Caller: Yes, my phone number and email address are [Your phone number and email address]. Thank you for your time. Have a great day, and I look forward to hearing back from Representative [Last Name].