Education Department to Release Billions in Remaining Grant Money

Introduction to the Funding Release

The Trump administration is releasing billions of dollars in grants to schools for adult literacy, English language instruction, and other programs, the Education Department said Friday. This move comes after the administration had withheld $6 billion in funding on July 1 as part of a review to ensure spending aligned with the White House’s priorities.

Background on the Funding Freeze

The funding freeze had been challenged by several lawsuits as educators, Congress members from both parties, and others called for the administration to release money that schools rely on for a wide range of programs. The freeze had caused concern among school districts and nonprofits, such as the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club of America, which had said they would have to close or scale back educational offerings this fall without the funds.

Previous Release of Funds

Last week, the department said it would release $1.3 billion of the money for after-school and summer programming. This decision came days after 10 Republican senators sent a letter imploring the administration to allow frozen education money to be sent to states. The release of that money was seen as a positive step, but many had been waiting for the release of the remaining funds.

Completion of Review and Release of Funds

The Education Department said Friday that the Office of Management and Budget had completed its review of the programs and will begin sending the money to states next week. This move is expected to provide relief to schools and programs that have been waiting for the funds. U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., was among the Congress members calling for the release of the grants, stating that it is important to protect these programs.

Importance of the Programs

“The programs are ones that enjoy longstanding, bipartisan support like after-school and summer programs that provide learning and enrichment opportunities for school-aged children, which also enables their parents to work and contribute to local economies, and programs to support adult learners working to gain employment skills, earn workforce certifications, or transition into postsecondary education,” she said. The programs funded by these grants are crucial for providing opportunities for students and adult learners, and their release is seen as a vital step in supporting education and economic development.

Conclusion

The release of the remaining grant money by the Education Department is a significant step forward for schools and programs that have been waiting for these funds. The decision to release the funds comes after a long wait and intense lobbying from educators, Congress members, and other stakeholders. The funds will support a wide range of programs, including adult literacy, English language instruction, after-school and summer programming, and programs to support adult learners. As the funds begin to be sent to states next week, schools and programs can start to breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that they will be able to continue providing essential services to their students and communities.

FAQs

• Q: How much money was withheld by the Trump administration?
  • A: The Trump administration had withheld $6 billion in funding on July 1 as part of a review to ensure spending aligned with the White House’s priorities.
• Q: What programs will the released funds support?
  • A: The funds will support programs such as adult literacy, English language instruction, after-school and summer programming, and programs to support adult learners.
• Q: When will the funds be sent to states?
  • A: The Office of Management and Budget has completed its review, and the funds will begin to be sent to states next week.
• Q: Why was the release of the funds important?
  • A: The release of the funds is crucial for supporting education and economic development, providing opportunities for students and adult learners, and enabling parents to work and contribute to local economies.

    By COLLIN BINKLEY, Associated Press

    Originally Published: July 25, 2025 at 2:18 PM EDT