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A ruling from U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher marks a final defeat in the Trump administration’s attempt to require school districts throughout the nation to censor lessons, student support programs, and to certify their compliance with the administration’s unlawful interpretation of civil rights. In her ruling Gallagher stated that federal guidance stifled teachers’ free speech, “causing […]

New York State is making national headlines with a sweeping proposal to expand access to child care and early learning—but the real story is what made this moment possible. While the scale of the investment is historic, the groundwork behind it reflects years of local coordination, coalition building, and data-driven strategy. Governor Kathy Hochul and […]

Early childhood experts say 2026 could be a pivotal year for the sector, as pandemic relief funds have dried up and states now face difficult budget decisions around child care and early learning. According to EdSurge, rising costs and tightening state budgets risk widening inequities unless states increase their investments. National data show a child care access […]

A new federal program known as “Trump Accounts” has been signed into law, adding another savings option alongside existing 529 college savings plans. This Aspen Institute article examines how Trump Accounts will work alongside highlighting potential implications. While the program has clarified that account balances will not affect eligibility for safety‑net benefits like SNAP, a positive development for families, participation is not […]

This fall, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) hosted Junior Days, the first event implemented as a result of ACS’ six-month collaborative design facilitation focused on expanding career-connected learning opportunities for Greater Cleveland youth. Nearly 70 students from three school districts explored five career pathways through hands-on experiences and left with a clearer understanding of academies, short-term […]

Democracy Fund recently launched All by April, a coordinated national effort urging philanthropy to accelerate and streamline election-related grant-making ahead of the 2026 election cycle. The campaign calls on foundations, donor networks, and individual philanthropists to commit and distribute nonpartisan 501(c)(3) election funding no later than April 2026. The goal is simple but significant: ensure that […]

Monday afternoon, HUD abruptly withdrew its FY2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) just 90 minutes before a federal court hearing. The proposal included significant changes that would have capped permanent housing funding at 30 percent — down from the current national average of 87 percent — and imposed requirements that prioritized temporary housing […]

A new analysis shows that letting the enhanced premium tax credits lapse would reduce health care spending in Ohio by $363 million next year and increase uncompensated care demand by $163 million — a 10.3% jump. States across the U.S. will likely see a similar trend. That means more strain on hospitals, higher costs for communities, and more individuals and families left uninsured. At ACS, […]

On September 4, ACS joined partners for the ribbon cutting of the John Marshall Wellness Center at John Marshall High School in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). Operated by the MetroHealth System, and funded through ARPA dollars through the City of Cleveland, as well as funds from the Cleveland and The George Gund Foundations, the clinic […]

For more than 20 years ACS has led advocacy efforts with our K-12 clients to improve State policy related to student transportation. The Guardian article succinctly outlines the challenges and implications of policy that falls short of a comprehensive solution for kids and families.