The Department of Education has shifted some of its higher ed functions to another agency.
Starting this week, staff in the Higher Education Programs Division of the Office of Postsecondary Education will become members of the Department of Labor.
The following article is a part of University Business’ ongoing coverage of the Department of Education’s fate under President Donald Trump.
“As the American economy continues to create new opportunities, the Trump Administration is realigning postsecondary education to ensure students are prepared for success in the workforce,” said David Barker, assistant secretary for postsecondary education.
“We are proud to begin implementing this historic partnership that will not only create a better coordinated federal approach to postsecondary education and workforce development, but will also ensure that students pursuing higher education pursue programs aligned with their career goals and workforce needs,” he added.
The merger reflects the priorities of the American Talent Strategy, an interagency framework created by the departments of Labor, Commerce and Education.
The framework aims at prioritizing industry training and “streamlining fragmented higher education programs,” said Henry Mack, assistant secretary for the Employment and Training Administration in the Department of Labor.
“Not only must colleges and universities aim to develop well-rounded individuals, exposed to the first principles of Western Civilization and thrive as productive citizens; higher education must attend to the needs of American employers, graduating students who are career-ready, productive, and equipped to deliver on the President’s reindustrialization agenda,” he added.
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The merger also aligns with Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s plan to redistribute essential programs provided by the Department of Education through six interagency agreements signed last November.
The move fulfills the Trump administration’s efforts to further dismantle the department, which some policymakers have pushed back on.
