The Trump administration has notified states that it is pausing the release of more than $6 billion in previously approved federal education grants, just one day before the traditional July 1 disbursement deadline.
In a message sent Monday to state education officials, the U.S. Department of Education cited an ongoing review of grant programs as the reason for the delay, stating that “decisions have not yet been made concerning submissions and awards for this upcoming year.”
“Given the change in Administrations, the Department is reviewing the FY 2025 funding for the [Title I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, IV-B] grant program(s),” the department wrote in its notice, which was obtained and shared with NPR by sources including The School Superintendents Association (AASA). “No funds will be released prior to completing that review.”
Tara Thomas, government affairs manager at AASA, called the move “unprecedented.”
“Districts really need to be able to rely on stable funding so that they’re able to responsibly plan and budget,” Thomas said. “Actions like this are incredibly disruptive to school districts across the country.”
The affected grants fund a range of services for K-12 schools, including professional development for educators, support for English language learners, migrant education, and before- and after-school programs. The largest allocation under review—roughly $2.2 billion—is earmarked for training and professional development for teachers.
“At the end of the day, it’s really just funding that makes teachers better at their jobs,” Thomas said.
The Education Department did not respond to NPR’s request for comment. However, in its message to states, the agency noted it “remains committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the President’s priorities and the Department’s statutory responsibilities.”
This week’s announcement has alarmed educators who rely on the funds to support programming. In rural Maine’s MSAD 54 district, about 90 miles north of Portland, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant provides after-school enrichment including outdoor adventures, robotics, chess, theater, sewing and cooking.
Dawn Fickett, who oversees the district’s grant-supported programming, said the potential loss would be devastating for students.
“Having a place for our youth to go to be engaged, sparking joy and learning, is a great way to keep kiddos off our streets and out of trouble,” she told NPR. “This programming has led to impressive academic and personal gains.”
While several grant programs are under review, two major education funding streams—Title I, which supports low-income school districts, and IDEA, which helps fund services for students with disabilities—have not yet been affected.
Still, educators are wary. The Trump administration’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget previously called for the elimination of the five grant programs now under review, fueling concern that this delay could lead to long-term funding cuts.
