Who is Aspire?

Aspire Afterschool Learning is a nonprofit in Arlington, Virginia that provides comprehensive no-cost afterschool and summer learning programming to historically underserved 3rd-8th grade students and their families. For over 30 years, we have supported and connected families, schools, and communities.

What’s happening?

DOGE recently cut over 40% of all AmeriCorps programs for the current year, impacting 1,000+ organizations and 30,000+ AmeriCorps members nationwide.

On April 28th, Aspire was notified that our funding was cut and we needed to cease our AmeriCorps program effective immediately. This impacted the 17 Aspire AmeriCorps members who serve our students every day and the 150 students and their families who rely on Aspire for a no-cost safe place to be out of school time and robust academic afterschool support.

Why is your support needed right now?

Aspire’s is the only daily academic afterschool program offered at no cost for 3rd-8th graders in Arlington. As one parent said, “I looked into lots of other [afterschool] programs and they wanted $10 more an hour than I make.” Without Aspire, families have literally nowhere else to go and promising young students will be left behind.

The cuts represent a significant loss in funding for Aspire (approximately 30% of our budget). Prior to these cuts, we were serving a record 150 students this school year and were on track to serve a record 140 this summer. We still had over 30 students on our waiting list. The need in Arlington is significant. These funding cuts make it harder for us to meet that need. While we will continue to offer our programs and are deeply committed to serving our students, the cuts may force us to serve fewer students and/or scale back programming.

To close the gap for this summer and the 2025-2026 school year, we need to raise $350,000 by June 30th.

If we do not raise funds to fill the gap, one-third of our current students and their families will be without safe, high-quality academic afterschool and summer programming. This comes at a time when many of our students are entering our program two or more grade levels behind due to the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who is impacted?

Since hearing about the cuts and the fact that Aspire may have to serve fewer students, we’ve received many messages from our community. For example:

A parent told us that Aspire is "a program that helps my children, unites the community, and is an oasis for parents that work and don't have another place for their children to be safe."
A community leader shared, “I have personally witnessed the profound impact of Aspire on our most vulnerable students. To have any students lose access to this program would have devastating consequences. We must ensure Aspire continues to be a cornerstone of support for our most vulnerable community. I hope everyone in our community can support Aspire during this critical time.”
A student tearfully told one of Aspire’s AmeriCorps members, “Thank you for your help, you are the best. I love you and I will do whatever I can do to help Aspire.”
A school partner wanted to send this message to the Arlington community: “As a school system in Arlington, we often discuss the critical need for additional literacy and social-emotional support for our students, and are fortunate to have a partner and program like Aspire! I ask that if you value education and expanding learning opportunities to help historically underserved students fulfill their potential, please consider supporting Aspire at this critical juncture.”

Without Aspire, promising young people will be left behind. Your contribution will help us close the gap, support our community, and sustain and strengthen our work this year and beyond.

Additional FAQs

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes! We are a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code: EIN 54-1705642.

If I prefer to send in a check, will my donation still be credited on this site?

You can send a check via mail to Aspire Afterschool Learning, PO Box 41318, Arlington, VA 22204 and include "Rising Together" in the memo. We'll add your donation to the website once we receive it!

What other ways can I use to financially support Aspire?

You can help Aspire reach our fundraising goal by making a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA, donating appreciated stocks or mutual funds, supporting Aspire through your Donor Advised Fund, submitting a corporate match, or setting up a monthly donation. For more information, please email Maggie McCoy, Aspire’s Communications and Development Manager, at development@aspireafterschool.org.

Who is Aspire’s media contact?

Paula Fynboh, Aspire’s Executive Director. Email paula@aspireafterschool.org or call 202-813-2140.

How can I set up a fundraising page to help Aspire?

You can use Aspire’s Rising Together fundraising toolkit! If you have questions, please email Maggie McCoy, Aspire’s Communications and Development Manager, at development@aspireafterschool.org.

Who can I contact with a question about my donation or setting up a fundraising page?

You can contact Maggie McCoy, Aspire’s Communications and Development Manager, at maggie@aspireafterschool.org.

How can I learn more about the impacts of AmeriCorps cuts and how Aspire is responding?

Visit our website at: https://www.aspireafterschool.org/aspires-response-to-americorps-funding-cuts/. We’ll update this periodically.

Rising Together

By Aspire Afterschool Learning

Rising Together

Aspire has been impacted by recent cuts to AmeriCorps funding. Will you rise together with us to fill the funding gap and support Aspire families?