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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Just days after more than 500 children were left without a summer program, community leaders across Albany-Dougherty County say they’re stepping in with a solution.

It’s called the “Summer Collective” — a coordinated effort to bring together local organizations, schools, and nonprofits to serve more than 2,000 children this summer.

But whether that plan becomes reality may depend on funding decisions that are still up in the air.

A community-built solution

The initiative is being led by the United Way, alongside several local partners, including youth programs, libraries, STEM initiatives, and summer camps.

Organizers say the goal is simple: fill the gap left behind and ensure children still have access to safe, structured summer activities.

“This is about making sure no child falls through the cracks,” organizers said.

Key events are already being planned:

• A kickoff registration event on May 23 at Albany State University’s West Campus, centered around a “Swim for Life” initiative
• A Back-to-School Bash on July 18 to wrap up the summer program

In between, multiple organizations will offer programming throughout the summer months.

Programs already in motion

Some efforts are already taking shape.

The South Georgia Starz program is expected to run from June 1 through July 17, serving about 75 students and providing meals.

Meanwhile, the Dougherty County School System is planning a tentative summer school session from June 2 through June 26, with testing scheduled for June 29–30.

Organizers say the broader collective will connect families to all available programs in one centralized system.

Funding still in question

While momentum is building, organizers say funding remains the biggest hurdle.

More than $400,000 has been requested to support the effort:

• $175,000 has already advanced to a finance committee
• An additional $50,000 request is pending
• A separate $200,000 request is still under review by the City of Albany

Community members have already spoken at city, county, and school board meetings, urging leaders to approve the funding.

Advocates, including community leaders like Don Simmons and Orson Burkes, say time is running out.

A race against the clock

With summer just weeks away, organizers say deadlines for hiring staff, finalizing programs, and opening registration are quickly approaching.

Without confirmed funding, they warn the plan could face delays — or be scaled back.

“This is a real-time solution,” one organizer said. “But it depends on real-time decisions.”

What happens next

Families are waiting for answers — and so are organizers.

Key questions remain:

• Will local leaders approve the funding requests?
• When will a final decision be made?
• What happens if the funding is delayed or denied?

WALB’s Ashanti Darke reports that while the community has developed a plan, it’s now up to decision-makers to move it forward.

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