The Apprenticeship Pathways Act of 2025 funds business groups and nonprofits (called "industry intermediaries") to create apprenticeship programs for secondary students and disconnected youth (ages 16-25 not in school or work). It prioritizes high-poverty schools, rural communities, and underrepresented groups like women in construction and people with disabilities. Key provisions include using federal funds to cover 50% of apprentice wages, provide wraparound support (childcare, tutoring, transportation), and develop training in high-demand fields like plumbing, healthcare, and technology. The bill directs these intermediaries to partner with schools and employers to build pathways into skilled trades and STEM careers.
This bill modifies the Higher Education Act to allow foreign institutions of higher education to offer distance learning courses that qualify for federal student aid. It sets three key requirements: distance education must not exceed 12.5% of a program, the institution must be evaluated by an outside accreditor, and students must physically attend instruction in the foreign country. The changes apply to foreign institutions seeking to provide hybrid programs where students receive aid under the Higher Education Act. The rules take effect after enactment, with a 3-month implementation period for the first qualifying semester.
HR 4713, the Safe Schools and Communities Act of 2025, provides federal grants to school districts to fund training for staff who regularly interact with students. The bill requires grant recipients to cover training on human trafficking risk factors, fentanyl and drug abuse prevention, gang activity intervention strategies, and local community resources. Funds must also cover training costs (like instructor fees and materials) and implement specialized curricula in these areas. This directly affects elementary and secondary school personnel in districts receiving grants, with funding administered through the existing Elementary and Secondary Education Act framework.
The Students Bill of Rights Act of 2025 requires public colleges and universities receiving federal student aid funds to adopt clear, neutral policies protecting student organizations. It prohibits denying recognition based on lack of faculty advisors or national affiliations, mandates transparent standards for distributing student activity fees and setting security fees (without considering speech content), and requires accessible appeal processes for denied recognition or funding. Students harmed by violations can sue for damages, and institutions failing to comply risk losing federal funding after court rulings. The bill also demands public reporting of violations and compliance efforts to the Department of Education.
The Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025 (S 1233) changes visa and immigration rules for foreign students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in STEM fields at U.S. universities. It requires these students to apply for admission *before* starting their program and adds stronger background checks for their student visas. The bill also creates a new pathway to a green card for STEM graduates who secure a job in their field paying at least the median wage for that role, with approved labor certification. This allows students on F-1 visas to pursue permanent residency without violating current visa rules (dual intent), while requiring annual reports on implementation and impacts.
This bill amends the tax code to allow 529 college savings accounts to cover certain postsecondary credentialing costs, such as certifications, licenses, and apprenticeship fees, in addition to traditional tuition. It directly affects individuals using 529 accounts who pursue industry-recognized credentials (like IT certifications, nursing licenses, or registered apprenticeships) instead of degree programs. The key provision expands "qualified higher education expenses" under Section 529(e)(3) to include tuition, testing fees, and required continuing education for recognized credentials listed in state directories or federal systems (like the COOL directory). It defines "recognized" credentials based on industry standards, federal programs, or state approval. This change enables 529 account holders to use tax-advantaged savings for workforce training beyond traditional degree paths.
HRES 797 is a non-binding resolution expressing concern about the rising number of book bans in U.S. schools and libraries. It cites PEN America data showing 6,870 book bans affecting 3,751 titles between July 2024 and June 2025, with books about race, LGBTQ+ experiences, and marginalized communities disproportionately targeted (e.g., *The Handmaid’s Tale*, *Maus*, *This Book Is Gay*). The resolution calls on schools to follow best practices for book challenges, protect students’ access to diverse materials, and return books removed from military schools under recent executive orders. It directly addresses students, educators, librarians, and authors impacted by censorship, emphasizing that such bans threaten free expression and democratic values.
This bill prohibits colleges and universities from requiring students to waive their right to sue in court through enrollment agreements. It blocks institutions from including forced arbitration clauses or other restrictions (like limiting choice of law, jury trials, or court locations) in contracts with students. The law amends the Higher Education Act to ensure students can pursue legal claims against schools directly in court, rather than through private dispute resolution. It applies to all enrollment agreements between students and institutions of higher education, effective one year after enactment.
S 1723, the Equitable Access to School Facilities Act, provides federal funding to help states create or improve programs that support charter schools' access to facilities. It authorizes $100 million annually (2026-2030) for competitive grants to state education agencies, prioritizing states that expand charter school access to public buildings, provide tax-exempt financing, or grant charter schools first rights to purchase surplus public property. States using these funds must focus on reducing facility funding gaps between charter schools and traditional public schools, particularly in low-income and rural communities, while supplementing (not replacing) existing state funding. The bill also includes provisions for technical assistance and grants to help charter schools meet building codes and secure facilities.
This bill amends the Higher Education Act to include Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program and Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program participation as qualifying public service employment for student loan forgiveness. It directly affects teachers who serve in these Fulbright programs, allowing them to count their service toward existing loan cancellation benefits under the public service repayment plan. The key provision adds a specific definition to the law, treating Fulbright teaching roles as equivalent to other public service jobs for loan forgiveness eligibility. This change expands access to an existing program without altering the core loan forgiveness mechanism. The bill does not create new benefits but makes Fulbright teaching service eligible under current rules.
