March 21st, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education (ED), aiming to shift control over education to states and local communities. While the complete abolition of the department requires Congressional approval, the executive order initiates significant changes that could affect student financial aid and a significant portion of our research portfolio.
What does this mean federal funding for ED research at PSU?
The ED administers various grants and funding programs that support higher education institutions. Dismantling the department could lead to uncertainties in the availability and distribution of these funds, potentially impacting PSU's research initiatives and educational programs. PSU currently has 26 active awards from the Department of Education: as of today, we have not received any communications to stop, pause or modify existing ED awards, but we are continuing to closely monitor.
What actions should faculty take?
PSU is actively working with our federal lobbyists to develop strategies to minimize the impact of the administration’s actions on our awards. We will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates to our community as new information becomes available. If you receive notifications, directives, or communications — formal or informal — from program directors or agency personnel, please contact us directly.