Education
Last Updated: April 7, 2025
$65 million in teacher training and diversity programs frozen.
Education research grants canceled using the “for convenience” clause.
21st Century Community Learning Centers targeted for elimination.
AmeriCorps education programs potentially eliminated.
Grants being cut or changed
The Trump administration has moved swiftly against Department of Education programs. It froze certain education grants—especially those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). For instance, about $65 million for teacher training and diversity programs was put on hold. The Education Department canceled research grants too, even ones studying basic teaching methods, by using a clause that lets them terminate grants “for convenience.” Additionally, all new grant awards were paused during the January funding freeze.
Eliminations or proposals
President Trump has called for dismantling the Department of Education itself, as much as legally possible. In March 2025, he signed an executive order to begin merging or shutting down parts of the agency. The proposal is to eventually eliminate programs or shift them to states. His budget plans also propose eliminating certain education programs outright, such as 21st Century Community Learning Centers (afterschool programs) and possibly AmeriCorps education programs, which many schools use for tutoring.
On hold or court challenges
The freeze on DEI-related education grants is tied up in court. A lower court tried to reinstate the teacher training funds, but in April the Supreme Court allowed the administration’s freeze to continue while the case proceeds. This means those grants remain on hold mid-stream in 2025. Universities and civil rights groups are challenging these cuts, arguing the administration is unlawfully targeting programs it politically dislikes. Meanwhile, many staff at the Education Department have been laid off – the agency announced it is cutting nearly 50% of staff – which could slow grant support and monitoring.
Timeline
Immediately, in early 2025, funds for certain college and K-12 grants were frozen. Those awaiting disbursement (like some higher-ed research or DEI grants) have had to stop work for now. By the 2025–26 school year, core formula funds like Title I and special education are expected to continue at current levels, largely because a temporary funding bill keeps them going. However, beyond 2026, there is major uncertainty.
State-level impact
Almost 90% of school districts benefit from Title I aid for low-income schools, including many rural districts in Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina. While Title I is protected for the coming school year, states like Kentucky (which depends on federal aid for ~46% of its education budget) are on alert. North Carolina could lose over $35 million if 21st Century afterschool centers are eliminated. Early childhood programs in West Virginia and Ohio, such as Head Start centers, currently remain funded, but if federal budgets for 2026 reduce Head Start, state agencies may have to figure out how to keep preschools open.
Sources
NPR. (2025, February 15). DEI grants frozen by Trump administration. https://www.npr.org/2025/02/15/education-grants-frozen
The Associated Press. (2025, March 2). Education Department faces 50% staff cuts. https://apnews.com/article/education-dept-staff-cuts-2025
U.S. Department of Education. (2025, March 1). Program termination notices. https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/program-cuts-2025
Supreme Court of the United States. (2025, April 2). Order in teacher training grant case. https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/court-orders-education-freeze-040225.pdf
National Education Association. (2025, March 28). Federal budget threats to afterschool funding. https://www.nea.org/advocacy/latest-updates/federal-afterschool-budget-cuts
