The Right to Learn Act of 2026 creates a grant program to help schools and community organizations support students and staff affected by immigration enforcement actions. Funds awarded by the Department of Education can be used to hire trauma-informed counselors, provide emergency assistance like food and legal referrals, and train educators on culturally responsive care. The bill strictly prohibits schools from collecting or sharing personal data about a student's immigration status and forbids denying services based on that status. Eligible recipients include public schools, early childhood programs, universities, and legal service providers, with a total funding authorization of $250 million over five years.
This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to create the Senator Robert J. Dole Greatest Generation Education Program, which aims to increase public awareness of World War II history and its lessons. The program will operate by providing grants to state and local governments and nonprofit organizations to fund educational events that honor veterans, highlight the home front's contributions, and teach patriotism to young people. Recipients must use the funds for new initiatives rather than existing secondary school curricula, and the Department of Defense retains exclusive rights to the program's name and symbols.
The Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act restricts federal funding for college programs that fail to meet specific standards regarding licensure preparation and student earnings. To qualify for federal aid, programs designed to prepare students for licensed professions must ensure graduates can take required exams and obtain certification in the state where they live, while also providing necessary internships or clinical placements. Additionally, the bill introduces a debt-to-earnings test that bars funding for programs where the average student's annual loan payments exceed 8% of their median earnings or where payments exceed 20% of their discretionary income. Institutions offering distance learning courses must also be legally authorized in every state where their students reside, unless participating in a mutual agreement between states.
The Advanced Coursework Equity Act creates a federal grant program to help under-resourced schools increase access to advanced classes like Advanced Placement and gifted programs for students from historically underrepresented groups. To achieve this, the bill requires schools to use objective testing methods, such as universal screening, rather than relying solely on teacher recommendations to determine which students qualify for these courses. Funding is distributed to states, local school districts, and nonprofit organizations to support training for educators, expand course capacity, and provide tutoring, with a specific focus on improving outcomes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The legislation mandates that recipients set specific enrollment goals for different student subgroups and report their progress to the Department of Education, while also offering bonus payments to those who make the most significant improvements in equity.
The Educators for America Act amends the Higher Education Act to update how teacher residency programs select participants. It requires these programs to establish specific criteria for eligibility and to prioritize recruiting individuals who are underrepresented in the teaching profession, including men. This change directly affects federal funding for teacher residency programs and the demographic composition of new teachers. The bill focuses on modifying selection rules rather than creating new programs or changing funding amounts.
The Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats Act authorizes $20 million annually to fund grants for nonprofit partnerships that develop training programs preparing individuals for careers in the building and construction trades. These grants are awarded to groups that include employers, labor organizations, and educational institutions to create curricula aligned with industry standards and registered apprenticeship requirements. The program specifically targets underrepresented populations, such as racial minorities, women, veterans, and long-term unemployed individuals, by covering training costs and potentially providing stipends for work-based learning. To receive funding, applicants must demonstrate a partnership with an existing apprenticeship sponsor and show that the program leads to a high school diploma or equivalent for participants. The Department of Labor oversees the grants, which require annual curriculum reviews and independent evaluations to ensure participants successfully enter registered apprenticeship programs.
The Safeguard Kids Act amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to require schools to teach students about the dangers and responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies, including chatbots. It also mandates that schools provide counseling for mental health issues that may arise from a student's use of these AI tools. By adding these specific requirements to existing education funding provisions, the bill directly affects elementary and secondary schools receiving federal support. The legislation defines artificial intelligence chatbots as systems that engage in interactive, natural-language communication with users.
The TEACH Improvement Act of 2026 amends the Higher Education Act to update rules for the TEACH Grant program, which provides financial assistance to students pursuing careers in teaching. The bill establishes stricter eligibility criteria for institutions offering these grants, requiring them to demonstrate high-quality teacher preparation and support services. It also introduces new accountability measures that could restrict an institution's ability to offer grants if too many recipients fail to meet their service obligations, such as converting their grants into loans. Additionally, the legislation clarifies rules for post-baccalaureate students, expands the list of high-need teaching fields, and mandates regular reporting on program performance and loan conversion rates.
The Fund Schools, Not ICE Act directs unspent funds originally allocated to Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be transferred to the Department of Education for use in elementary and secondary school programs. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to sell eleven specific immigration detention warehouses that were purchased between January 1, 2026, and March 31, 2026. These measures aim to redirect financial resources from immigration enforcement toward educational initiatives while mandating the disposal of recently acquired detention facilities.
This resolution honors National Boys and Girls Club Week by formally recognizing the organization's work with youth across the United States. It highlights the efforts of over 5,500 clubs that provide safe out-of-school programming and support more than 4.2 million young people annually. The Senate encourages the public to celebrate this week and commend the Boys and Girls Clubs of America for helping students develop essential skills in areas like STEM, leadership, and financial literacy.
