U.S. Department of Education Signs Six New Deals to Cut Red Tape and Refocus on Students

The U.S. Department of Education is making big changes in how it runs federal education programs. On Tuesday, the department announced six new partnerships with other government agencies to help simplify how education services are delivered across the country. The goal is to reduce federal bureaucracy, improve student outcomes, and return more control to states and local communities.

The agreements were made with four federal departments: the Department of Labor (DOL), the Department of the Interior (DOI), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of State. Together, they will take over some education programs currently run by the Department of Education (ED), allowing each agency to focus on what it does best.

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said the changes are part of the Trump administration’s plan to “cut through layers of red tape” and make sure taxpayer money is being used wisely. “We are partnering with these agencies to improve federal programs,” McMahon said, “and empower local leaders, restore excellence to higher education, and refocus education on students, families, and schools.”

Labor Department to Oversee K-12 and College Programs

Two of the partnerships are with the Department of Labor, which will take on a bigger role in helping run K-12 education and college grant programs.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Partnership aims to connect high school education with workforce programs better. The Labor Department will now help manage K-12 education grants, support states, and ensure students are prepared for college and careers. The Department of Education will still oversee these programs.

The second agreement, the Postsecondary Education Partnership, gives the Labor Department control over most federal grants that help colleges and universities. This includes helping students earn job-ready degrees and credentials to fill the country’s growing need for skilled workers.

“We want to make sure students are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “This partnership makes it easier for states and schools to get the resources they need.”

Interior Department Takes the Lead on Native American Education

The Department of the Interior will now lead programs that serve Native American students. This includes support for schools on tribal lands and funding for Native students in college and job-training programs. The goal is to make it easier for Native communities to get the support they need by working with a single federal agency rather than several.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the agreement is a new beginning for Native education. “Native students and their communities will be empowered with the tools and support they need to thrive,” he said.

Health Department to Oversee Medical and Childcare Programs

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will take over two programs that focus on health and family needs.

First, HHS will now run the Foreign Medical Accreditation Partnership, which makes sure medical schools in other countries meet U.S. standards. HHS will use its staff and experience to decide which foreign schools offer quality education for future doctors.

Second, HHS will manage the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program, which helps student-parents by funding on-campus child care. Since HHS already runs many child care programs, this change is expected to improve how grants are given and services are provided.

“Our goal is to serve more student-parents across college campuses,” said Alex J. Adams, a top HHS official. “This partnership will help families succeed both in school and in life.”

State Department to Take Over Fulbright-Hays Program

The Department of State will now run the Fulbright-Hays grant program, which supports international education and foreign language studies. This program has always helped students and teachers study abroad and learn languages important to national security. Since the State Department already oversees the broader Fulbright Program, officials say this change will make the program more efficient and better aligned with America’s global goals.

“This shift will allow us to deliver maximum results for the American people,” said Under Secretary of State Sarah Rogers.

A New Way of Managing Education

These six agreements represent a major shift in how the federal government manages education programs. By giving more responsibility to agencies already working in these areas, the Department of Education hopes to improve services, reduce waste, and let states and communities take the lead in shaping education.

The Department of Education will still oversee each program to ensure compliance with federal laws. Officials say they will continue gathering ideas from states and schools across the country to guide future changes.

More details and fact sheets for each partnership can be found on the U.S. Department of Education website.