It was quite a busy week in DC with the return of Congress after a short break and several announcements from the Department of Education. Members of Congress continue to negotiate on President Biden’s proposed infrastructure package, with a counterproposal from Senate Republicans expected sometime soon. The main sticking points are defining what qualifies as infrastructure and how to pay for the proposal. Here are some of the other happenings from DC last week:
- Students Receive Emergency Broadband Discount: The Federal Communications Commission announced that postsecondary students who receive Pell grants and families with children participating in the free or reduced-price lunch or school breakfast program at the secondary level are now eligible to receive a monthly discount of $50 to help pay for broadband internet services. Also, each household can receive a one-time discount of up to $100 for one connected device, such as a laptop, desktop or tablet computer. More information can be found on GetEmergencyBroadband.org.
- Federal Communications Commission Announces Funds for the Connectivity Fund Program: On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission announced that the final rules for distribution of $7.17 billion in the Connectivity Fund Program from the American Rescue Plan. This funding will enable schools to purchase laptop and tablet computers and Wi-Fi hotspots, and will fund increased broadband access that is needed for distant learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Department of Education Announces Grants for Postsecondary Education: Also on Tuesday, the Department of Education announced that postsecondary education institutions can now receive $36 billion funds in emergency grants under the American Rescue Plan funds. The grants are intended to provide financial aid to postsecondary students to ensure student learning is not negatively impacted during the pandemic. Read more in our full blog post.
- Department of Education Announces 2021 Presidential Scholars: On Thursday, the Department of Education announced the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars. Nationwide, 161 high school students were awarded for their accomplishments, specifically, 20 scholars were awarded the U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education.
- Secretary Cardona Holds Virtual Roundtable with Asian American and Pacific Islander Community: Secretary of Education Cardona held a virtual roundtable event with members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. During the event, Cardona talked with teachers, parents and other community members about their experiences during the pandemic and ongoing educational challenges within their communities.
- Senate Confirms the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Education: On May 11, Cindy Marten was confirmed by the Senate as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Education on a 54-44 vote. She has spent 32 years as an educator in various roles, her most recent one being the superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District, a position she has served in since 2013. Secretary of Education Cardona’s statement on her confirmation particularly noted her response to the coronavirus pandemic and how that will translate to her work at the Department of Education. .
- House Kicks Off WIOA Reauthorization Hearings: On May 13, the House Education and Labor Committee held the first of a series of hearings around the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. This hearing focused on youth employment and the challenges youth are facing in the job market as a result of the pandemic. Read more on our full blog post.
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