Congress remained out of session this week for its summer recess. The House will return next week, while the Senate will remain out until mid-September. On the Administration side, the Department of Education (ED) has proposed rules that would make it easier for the agency to cancel discretionary grant funds. ED is also updating the Consolidated Annual Report for the Perkins Act, aligning data reporting with the updated Cluster Framework and making other technical changes. Read more updates below. 

• ED Proposes Rule to Make Grant Cancellations Easier: On August 24, ED issued a notice in the Federal Register proposing to give the agency more leeway in how and why it cancels discretionary grant funds. The National Science Foundation has also proposed similar rules. Comments for the ED notice are due September 23. 

• ED to Update the Consolidated Annual Report: On August 21, ED issued a notice in the Federal Register that it was making changes to the Consolidated Annual Report for the Perkins Act. Positive changes include aligning the required reporting by Career Clusters® to the updated Framework and updating data reporting requirements, including requiring agencies to report if their total CTE enrollment or concentrator counts experienced a 25% or more change. Comments on due on October 20. 

• Protecting the E-rate Program: The Federal Communications issued a notice in the Federal Register seeking comments on the E-rate program and whether the program should be narrowed or terminated. ACTE plans to submit comments in support of the E-rate program, and members can learn more about how they can take action on the blog. 

• ED Opens Second Phase of 2027-28 FAFSA Beta Testing: In July, ED outlined its plan to beta test the 2027-28 FAFSA ahead of the official launch by October 1, 2026. On August 5, the first phase of beta testing began. Now, as part of the second phase of beta testing, any student or parent can go onto the StudentAid.gov website and select the “Request Access” button. From there, the user must log in and select “Request Beta Access.” ED will then invite participants by email until beta testing ends.  

• ED Issues Dear Colleague Letter on FERPA and PPRA: On August 26, ED’s Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) issued a Dear Colleague Letter reminding state and local education agencies receiving federal funding of their obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). This guidance reminds schools that they must allow parents to review students’ educational records, and that failure to comply with these federal parental rights laws can result in the loss of federal funding. 

•  NASA Establishes State Hubs to Grow Aerospace Workforce: On August 19, NASA announced it has awarded approximately $10.5 million to seven institutions to help strengthen and streamline state-based pathways for students into skilled technical jobs in the aerospace industry. 

• General Motors Opens Application for Workforce Development Grants: On August 21, General Motors opened their application for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations to submit grant proposals for a workforce development initiative to support transitioning service members, veterans, and their families to pursue automotive careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades. Applications close September 30, 2026.  

• EPA Announces Grant Funding for Water Sector Workforce: On August 19, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of about $11 million in grant funding to support the training of workers in the water sector. Funding will support water workforce initiatives, including internship and apprenticeship programs, at nonprofits, community colleges and other education and training institutions. Applications are due October 5. 

• BJA Announces Notice of Funding for Second Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes: On August 17, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) at the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a notice of funding to support state, local and tribal governments and community-based organizations to provide education and employment programs for adults and youth leaving prison and jail. The Grants.gov deadline is September 24, 2026, and the JustGrants deadline is October 1, 2026.  

• Secretary McMahon Continues National Education Tour: Secretary McMahon visited Colorado and North Dakota this week on her Returning Education to the States Tour. In both states, she visited CTE programs and learned how students are attaining industry and workforce-ready skills.