The U.S. Department of Education has announced seven new priorities for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) as part of its fiscal year 2025 competition. These priorities are designed to address national needs in four areas: artificial intelligence (AI), civil discourse on campuses, accreditation reform, and support for short-term academic programs.
According to Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent, "Under the Trump Administration, we are witnessing a transformative shift in higher education, one that is setting a new course for a brighter future. From restoring freedom of speech and fostering viewpoint diversity, to reimagining an archaic accreditation system and prioritizing workforce-driven programs, there is a growing recognition that bold, seismic change is essential to restoring confidence in our Nation's higher education system. These priorities will ensure that grantees have the resources needed to build on our Administration’s successes and support initiatives that will continue to enhance the educational experience for all students."
The department published the Notice Inviting Applications for FIPSE in the Federal Register and expects to make awards by December 31, 2025.
For artificial intelligence, $50 million will be allocated across two main priorities: advancing AI to improve student outcomes by enhancing teaching and learning through technology; and ensuring future educators and students gain foundational exposure to AI and computer science by broadening access and expanding course offerings.
Civil discourse initiatives will receive $60 million under a single priority aimed at promoting respectful debate on college campuses. Grants will fund activities such as seminars, speaker series, conferences, debates, and other opportunities that encourage dialogue across different viewpoints.
Accreditation reform has been allotted $7 million with two goals: supporting institutions looking to switch accrediting agencies but facing prohibitive costs; and helping create new accrediting bodies to increase competition among accreditors.
Short-term programs are set to receive $50 million split between creating new high-quality short-term academic programs eligible for Workforce Pell Grants under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act and expanding existing ones aligned with workforce needs.
The department's action reflects an ongoing federal effort to update postsecondary education policies in line with technological advancement, free expression concerns on campuses, institutional accountability through accreditation reforms, and workforce development through targeted training programs.
