Fund Full-Service Community Schools in FY26

Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) serve students and families by integrating academic, health, and social services, expanding learning opportunities, and strengthening family and community engagement. The program enables schools to become hubs of support, ensuring that students receive the comprehensive services they need to succeed in school and in life. Each community school is different and responds to the specific needs and voices of the local community and parents.

Full-Service Community Schools represent a proven, responsive, and transformative model that supports academic achievement while addressing the holistic needs of students, families, and communities. In Illinois, local school districts utilize FSCS grants to expand the model statewide. This federal grant program currently provides $21 million in direct funding to local education entities and nearly $94 million in statewide support to 32 schools across Illinois over five years. FSCS grantees are in rural, suburban, and urban districts, enabling them to address local needs within their school and the broader community.

The impact of these efforts depends on the continuity and timely distribution of federal support. Email your Congressional representatives today to tell them to fully fund the Full-Service Community Schools program in the FY26 budget and ensure that continuation awards are released without delay in January. These timely investments are essential for sustaining and scaling this important work.