The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor announced on Apr. 16 the launch of new Fiscal Year 2026 grant competitions for the Supporting Effective Educator Development Grant Program and Charter Schools Program Grants to State Entities. These initiatives are part of ongoing efforts by the Trump Administration to broaden education choices and support teacher development throughout their careers.
The departments said these new grant opportunities aim to empower teachers, expand access to high-quality charter school models, and strengthen family involvement in education decisions. The awards will be managed through DOL’s GrantSolutions platform as part of a broader partnership between the two agencies.
“These grant competitions mark our continued efforts to support our nation’s teachers and empower families with education choice,” said Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Kirsten Baesler. “By investing in effective educator development programs and high-quality charter school models, we are elevating innovative solutions that directly shape student academic outcomes. Together with the Department of Labor, we are investing in support systems closest to students – families and educators.”
Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Dr. Henry Mack said, “As the Departments of Education and Labor partner to release targeted funding for educators and the expansion of charter schools, the value of joining education with work becomes clearer. We are looking to cultivate not just competent professionals but individuals of reason, character, and skills, equipped to meaningfully contribute to the reindustrialization of America.”
According to information released by both departments, recent changes prioritize returning educational decision-making authority back to states while focusing on expanding professional development pipelines for teachers through evidence-based practices such as Registered Apprenticeship programs. The partnership was formalized under an Interagency Agreement allowing DOL management over certain grant funds while integrating teacher workforce initiatives into existing labor programs.
Last year saw a record $500 million investment in charter schools by this administration, which resulted in doubled application numbers compared with previous years—reflecting strong demand for creating or expanding innovative school models including those focused on civics education; career training; science; technology; engineering; mathematics; public laboratory schools; and regional academies.
The departments indicated they will continue providing guidance as implementation progresses.
