Office of the Secretary of Higher EducationU.S. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ and U.S. Department of Labor Announce Additional Competition to Promote Civics Education
On Tuesday, May 26, the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor announced a FY26 competition for the American History and Civics – National Activities Program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Partnership. This grant application anticipates 10 awards and the application closes July 13, 2026. Additional details regarding the competition are available on .
U.S. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ Announces Strengthening Institutions Program Grant Competition
On Thursday, May 21, the U.S. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ in partnership with the Department of Labor, announced a one-time FY2026 competition for Strengthening Institutions Program. This competition focuses on supporting workforce readiness, advancing use of artificial intelligence, and helping institutions develop short-term programs for Workforce Pell Grant program. The Departments anticipate 600 awards ranging from $250,000 to $3,000,000. The press release, including the link to the grants.gov description is available on the . Grant applications are due by June 23, 2026.
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Funds for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education — Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program
On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor on behalf of the U.S. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ announced the FY2026 Grant Competition for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education — Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program. The purpose of the program is to advance solutions to student basic needs insecurity. The application deadline is June 23, 2026. Find details about the grant competition at .
Federal Government Announces FY26 Open Textbook Pilot Program
On Thursday, May 21, the U.S. Department of Labor, on behalf of the U.S. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ, announced applications for the Open Textbook Pilot Program. The purpose of the program is to support projects at eligible institutions of higher education that create new open textbooks and expand use of open textbooks and course materials. The program anticipates making 4 awards ranging from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000. Applications are due June 23, 2026. Find more information about the grant at .
U.S. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ in partnership with U.S. Department of Labor Announce Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grants
On Thursday, May 21, the Federal Government announced a Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program to improve rates of postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students. The Departments anticipate making 300 awards ranging from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000. The deadline to apply is June 23, 2026. Find more information about the grant at .
U.S. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ Reaches Consensus to Reform and Strengthen America’s Higher Education Accreditation System
On Thursday, May 21, the U.S. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ reached consensus on a proposed regulatory framework during the Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) negotiated rulemaking session. The consensus language makes changes to streamlining transfer of credit policies, strengthening conflict of interest controls, opening the market to new competition, reducing accreditation cost burdens, emphasizing merit and student outcomes, and protecting academic freedom and promoting intellectual diversity. The full press release detailing the rulemaking process is available on .
U.S. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ Announces One Big Beautiful Bill Act Implementing Regulations Training Series
On May 21, 2026 U.S. ED shared a Dear Colleague Letter announcing a series of four live webinars and virtual office hours for schools on implementing regulatory changes from the OBBBA. The webinars will include: Loan Repayment Plans and Other Loan Changes; Schedule of Reductions/Loan Limits; Workforce Pell; and STATS and Earnings Accountability. Additional details and links to these events are available on the .
U.S. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ Issues Final Rule to Create New Workforce Pell Grant Program
On May 18, 2026, the U.S. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ announced the final rule to implement the Workforce Pell Grant Program beginning on July 1, 2026. The press release, including a link to the final rule in the Federal Register, is available on the .
Reminder of Additional Upcoming Deadlines
AG Davenport Sues to Protect Access to Student Loans for Professional Programs
On May 19, 2026, AG Davenport joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ over a new rule that unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing certain professional degree programs. The full press release, including a link to the complaint, can be viewed on the .
The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education is continuing to compile information about any institutions who are experiencing issues with federal funding or other impacts due to federal action. Please submit a brief summary of issues to Stefani.Thachik@oshe.nj.gov if applicable to your institution. Find updates and resources regarding federal actions on OSHE's Federal Actions Impacting Higher Education page.