ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — More than 500 children could be impacted after Albany State University (ASU) plans to cancel its summer youth program, prompting concern from parents and a community-led rally.

The program, known as the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP), has historically provided meals, supervision and recreational activities for children during the summer months.

Community leaders say its loss could leave hundreds of families without a reliable option for childcare and support.

The effort is being led by Frank Wilson of the Albany Civil Rights Institute, with support from SOWEGA Rising. Organizers say the goal is to raise awareness and push for transparency from university leadership.

The program is reportedly being cut due to a loss of grant funding.

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What community advocates say families could lose

Courtney King, the education equity organizer with SOWEGA Rising, said ASU’s program serves about 500 students each summer and has been in place for more than a decade.

King said families were notified last week that there will not be summer camp this year — and she said the impact could be immediate.

“Over 500 kids will obviously miss the summer meals,” King said. “There will be a summer learning loss because this program not only adds extracurricular activities, but curriculum instruction.”

King added that the program draws families from beyond Dougherty County. She said working parents from surrounding counties relied on the program for safe, structured child care.

King noted that in the past, the NYSP has been free.

“This is a free program, and oftentimes parents cannot afford the cost or the burden of that cost to put their kids in the programs that are being offered,” she said. “But the alternative is now a paid alternative that is expensive, and it’s not for the full summer.”

Wilson: Redesign isn’t the issue — the gap is

Wilson, who is organizing Wednesday’s rally, said he understands the university may be redesigning the program.

He said he has heard the direction could shift away from sports and focus more on STEM programming.

“In all fairness, I understand that the program is being redesigned to take a different direction from sports and concentration in the STEM areas,” Wilson said. “My concern is that when you remove something, it should be replaced… These things can exist at the same time.”

Wilson said he worries that cutting the program without a replacement in place could leave kids vulnerable this summer.

“To put our children in harm’s way this summer… it makes our kids very vulnerable… Because if we don’t do it, the gangs and other negative influences will fill that space. We have an opportunity to do something about it,” Wilson said.

Wilson said he hopes a strong turnout will help convince decision-makers to take another look.

“As I’ve said, I want a crowd, but I’ll be here if I be here by myself,” he said.

What’s next

Some parents say they have not received a clear, public explanation from the university, raising concerns about how families will adjust ahead of the summer.

WALB has reached out to Albany State University for comment and requested an interview to clarify why funding ended and whether alternative programs are being considered. A response has not yet been received.

Organizers say they hope the rally will encourage university leaders to address the community directly and outline a path forward.

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