State Auditor Finds Millions in Unaccounted Afterschool Funds

Report claims Mississippi Department of Education failed to publish required evaluations for federal grant programs

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Mississippi State Auditor's office released a report this week alleging that millions in federal grant funds continue to flow from the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) to nonprofits and school districts to operate afterschool programs, even as MDE has failed to publish federally mandated evaluations for years.

Why it matters

The report raises concerns about transparency and accountability in how Mississippi is using federal funds for afterschool programs, which are intended to provide educational and enrichment opportunities for students. The lack of published evaluations makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of these programs and ensure taxpayer money is being spent appropriately.

The details

According to the State Auditor's findings, in fiscal year 2024, the nonprofits and school districts analyzed spent over $11 million in Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant funds on afterschool programs. MDE is required to collect performance data from subgrantees and publish an annual statewide program evaluation, but has failed to do so since November 2022. The report also found potential conflicts of interest, as some subgrantees hired external evaluators who were not independent.

  • The State Auditor's office released the report this week.
  • MDE has failed to publish the required federal evaluation since November 2022.

The players

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)

The state agency responsible for overseeing and evaluating afterschool programs funded by federal grants.

Mississippi State Auditor's Office

The state agency that conducted the investigation and released the report on MDE's handling of afterschool program funds.

Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC)

The federal grant program that provides funding for the afterschool programs in question.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The report's findings may prompt further scrutiny and potential action by state lawmakers and federal education officials to ensure proper oversight and accountability for the use of afterschool program funds.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of transparent reporting and rigorous evaluation of how taxpayer-funded education programs are being implemented, in order to ensure public funds are being used effectively to support student learning and development.