September 2025 Education Briefs

Khanh Do
Oct 2, 2025
2 min read

1. U.S. Department of Education Announces 161 Presidential Scholars

On September 26, 2025 the U.S. Department of Education recognized 161 students as Presidential Scholars. These seniors were selected for excellence in academics, the arts, and career technical education. Secretary Linda McMahon praised their achievements and noted that they represent the very best of this year’s graduates.

2. Department of Education Awards 153 Million for History and Civics Seminars

The Department of Education announced a 153 million grant package to fund new American History and Civics Seminars. These programs are designed to deepen students’ understanding of history and civic engagement.

3. FAFSA Launches Earlier Than Ever

The 2026–27 FAFSA application went live earlier than expected giving families additional time to complete and submit before college deadlines. This marks the earliest launch in FAFSA history and is meant to ease stress on students and parents.

4. Department of Education Releases New Supplemental Priorities for Grants

Secretary McMahon announced two new priorities for competitive discretionary grant funding: Meaningful Learning and Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness. The goal is to align federal grant programs more closely with student outcomes and workforce needs.

5. Potential Federal Government Shutdown Raises Education Concerns

As Congress faced a budget impasse at the end of September, the Department of Education prepared for the possibility of a federal shutdown. A shutdown would disrupt federal grants, civil rights investigations, and some school support services beginning October 1.

6. Court Rules Trump Administration Can Cut Civil Rights Staff in Education Department

A federal appeals court ruled on September 29, 2025 that the administration may proceed with mass layoffs in the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The decision allows for a significant reduction of staff raising concerns about future enforcement of civil rights protections in schools.

7. Student Loan Repayment Overhaul Plans Begin

The Department of Education began formal negotiations on September 29, 2025 to restructure student loan repayment. Proposed changes include a new Repayment Assistance Plan with payments tied to 1 to 10 percent of discretionary income, forgiveness after 30 years, and the end of Grad PLUS loans starting July 2026.

8. Study Highlights How Teachers Use Generative AI in Math and Science

A September 2025 study examined how K–12 math and science teachers are adopting generative AI in classrooms. Findings show that teachers are using AI for scaffolding lessons and creating assignments but often lack institutional guidelines and training for safe and effective use.