The U.S. Department of Education issued a Dear Colleague Letter this week urging colleges, universities and school districts to collaborate in utilizing Federal Work Study (FWS) or other resources to expand the number of college students supporting K-12 schools and out-of-school time programs.
As part of the National Partnership for Student Success (NPSS) initiative, the Education Department has announced the participation of the first cohort of 26 early adopter institutions that have committed to using FWS or alternative funding to enhance student support roles such as tutoring, mentoring and postsecondary transition coaching.
“Our colleges and universities have always been a driving force in solving America’s greatest challenges; and, today, we’re calling on these critical institutions to stand up once again by using Federal Work Study and other dollars to help accelerate learning and recovery in our K-12 schools,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a May 10 press release.
Cardona emphasized the critical role of higher education institutions in addressing challenges faced by the nation's education system, the release said. The letter calls on colleges and universities to set a goal of allocating at least 15% of their FWS funds to community service, with a specific focus on employing students in support roles within K-12 schools and out-of-school programs. The initiative aims to accelerate academic recovery and promote diversity in the education field by inspiring college students from diverse backgrounds to consider careers as educators.
To address the staffing challenges experienced by schools in implementing tutoring and mentoring programs, the letter encourages school and district leaders to establish partnerships with regional colleges and universities, the release said. The department also highlights federal resources available to schools and districts to increase the number of individuals serving in those roles.
The NPSS, a collaborative effort between the Education Department, AmeriCorps and Johns Hopkins University's Everyone Graduates Center, plays a crucial role in supporting evidence-based programs that facilitate academic recovery and well-being for students.
The department calls for additional colleges and universities to join the effort, share their progress and participate in the NPSS professional learning community to increase the number of college students engaged in vital student support roles, the release said. As part of President Joe Biden's commitment to investing in schools and addressing pandemic-related challenges, the initiative aims to recruit 250,000 Americans as tutors, mentors and other support personnel, with the ultimate goal of helping students succeed in their education and future careers.
