Lufkin ISD ACE after-school program cancelled after loss of funding
Posted/updated on: July 20, 2026 at 3:06 am
LUFKIN (KETK) – Lufkin ISD announced this week that they’re no longer hosting their ACE after-school care program after they weren’t selected for a needed state grant this year.
The Texas ACE (Afterschool Centers on Education) program is a free after-school and summer program that provides after school care for around 130,000 students at schools across the state.
Lufkin ISD has been a part of that program for the past five years and has received state grants from the Texas Education Agency in order to pay staff that take care of students after school. Now the district says they haven’t been selected for the 2026-2027 school year ACE grant, leaving students and parents with one less option for after-school care.
“We understand that this news may be disappointing and may create challenges for families who have relied on Texas ACE for academic support, enrichment, summer learning, and family engagement opportunities,” Lufkin ISD Texas ACE Project Director Tamara Anguiano said.
Anguiano thanked ACE staff for all the meaningful work they put in throughout the program’s five years at Lufkin ISD.
“For the past five years, Texas ACE has provided meaningful experiences that helped students learn, grow, and connect,” Anguiano said. “We are deeply grateful to our dedicated Texas ACE staff, participating campuses, principals, teachers, support staff, district administration, and district leadership for their commitment and continued support.”
She also thanked students and parents for trusting and participating in the program while it lasted.
“Most importantly, we thank our students and families for your trust, participation, and enthusiasm. The relationships formed, memories created, and experiences shared will remain an important part of the Texas ACE legacy in Lufkin ISD,” Anguiano said. “Although we are deeply disappointed that the program will not continue, we are proud of what was built together and grateful to everyone who helped make the past five years possible.”
