HOUSTON – Just three months after President Trump signed an executive order halting all federal funding for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, the effects are beginning to ripple into local communities — including right here in Houston.
One of the first visible casualties: an expansion of the HYPE Freedom School, a long-standing nonprofit that’s been serving youth in the Sunnyside and South Park areas for over two decades.
“We serve about 250 students every summer, and we’ve been doing it for 25 years,” said Paulanne Jenkins, Executive Director of the HYPE Freedom School. “Our program is designed to prevent summer learning loss — it builds on what kids learn during the school year.”
Expansion Plans on Hold
The program had ambitious plans to expand, with a goal of reaching 750 students by 2028. That plan was announced during HYPE’s recent anniversary celebration and was set to begin ramping up this summer.
But now, that expansion is on hold.
“We were having to roll that back a little bit,” Jenkins explained. “While we don’t receive federal funding directly, one of our partners does. And they were affected by the DEI changes. Unfortunately, some of their funding was cut — and that affected us, too.”
The Bigger Picture
President Trump’s executive order, signed on his first day back in office, was one of at least 25 issued on Day One. He stated the DEI rollback was aimed at “ending illegal discrimination and preference.”
But the real-world impact is being felt by communities that have historically benefited from these programs: women in STEM, students with mental health challenges, and minority children who often face systemic underrepresentation.
In 2024, the Department of Education allocated over $1 billion in DEI-related grants. This year alone, over $600 million in grants tied to DEI content have been terminated.
Looking for New Funding Paths
While disappointed, Jenkins says the setback won’t stop their mission.
“One thing I know for sure is that we are resourceful,” she said.
HYPE is now looking into alternative funding options — including community donations, private foundations, and new organizational partnerships.
They’re not alone. Other Houston-based nonprofits — including those supporting LGBTQIA+ and refugee communities — are also exploring new funding avenues as they feel the strain of the federal rollback.
