On Monday, the Department of Education announced new investments into charter schools, civics programs, HBCUs, and tribal schools.
In statement on the website, the department explains that it is using “existing flexibilities” in grant programming to re-allocate money that was previously designated for other purposes to put $500 million towards institutions and programs that “advance President Trump’s priorities” and place resources towards interventions that will enhance educational outcomes.
The department also said that the investment is the largest ever in the Charter Schools Program and fulfills the commitment to add an additional $60 million in charter school funding that Education Secretary Linda McMahon made back in May.
Additionally, the department is making a one-time investment in HBCUs and TCCUs (Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities) of $495 million. In total, HBCUs are set to receive over $1.34 billion and TCCUs will receive $108 million for fiscal year 2025.
“Today, the Department is making three massive investments – redirecting financial support away from ineffective and discriminatory programs toward those which support student success. We are proud to make the largest investment in the Charter Schools Grants Program in the Department’s history, support American history programs that will inspire young people to be active and informed citizens, and recognize Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities’ historic contributions to improving education and opportunity in our country,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
She went on to say that the department is scrutinizing grants to make sure that “racially discriminatory” programs are not being funded by taxpayers.
The move, though arguably good news, is still controversial, as it comes on the heels of the administration withholding $350 million in grants to “minority-serving institutions.” Those colleges and universities serve large Hispanic student bodies, and the administration has argued that awarding grants based on racial enrollment is unconstitutional.
The grant cuts also targeted schools serving Alaskan and Hawaiian natives, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Black students as well.
Trump has been a vociferous opponent of the Department of Education. In February, he told Secretary McMahon that he wanted her to “put herself out of a job.” The administration would need the support of Congress to dismantle the department.
