Today, Attorney General Jeff Jackson visited Dream Center Academy (DCA) in Gastonia to emphasize the importance of federal education funding for North Carolina. On July 14, he filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education to prevent cuts to school funding in the state.
“Programs like Dream Center Academy show us why this funding is so important,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “They’re using these federal funds to help students learn and grow and stay safe when they’re not in school. I’m glad to see that the federal government says it’s giving states back the funding it unlawfully froze for programs like Dream Center Academy, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure our state receives its full share.”
Dream Center Academy relies heavily on the 21st Century Community Learning Grant, which accounts for half of its budget. Marty Starnes, Chair of DCA’s Board of Directors, expressed concerns about potential cuts: “The Board is working diligently on fund development, but the loss of these funds would severely cripple this incredible program, altering the program so that it would not be close to what it is today. Without the 21st Century Community Learning Grant, DCA could potentially cease to exist.”
DCA provides middle and high-school students with after-school and summer programs focused on academic and professional growth. In 2024, all graduating high school students from DCA were college and career ready.
Attorney General Jackson’s lawsuit addresses a freeze by the Department of Education on nearly $7 billion in public education funding, including over $165 million for North Carolina. This freeze threatens jobs for nearly 1,000 educators across the state and significantly impacts rural districts.
Following the lawsuit, the Department announced a partial return of funds supporting 21st Century Community Learning Centers like DCA. Approximately $36 million will be restored to North Carolina; however, about $130 million remains frozen.
