Office of the Secretary of Higher EducationU.S. Department of Education Issues Proposed Rules to Implement Working Families Tax Cuts Act’s Workforce Pell Grants
On March 6, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the new Workforce Pell Grant program starting in July 2026. Comments on the proposed rules can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal through April 8, 2026. View the press release with links to the proposed rules and portal submission here.
Reminder: U.S. DOL announces $65M in Grants for Community Colleges to Develop In-Demand, High-Quality Training
The U.S. Department of Labor announced $65 million in grants through the Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants to help community colleges increase access to high-quality short-term training programs that seek eligibility for Workforce Pell. Applications for this grant opportunity must be submitted electronically by 11:59PM on May 20, 2026. View the press release to learn more about the opportunity and the grants link to apply.
Trump Administration Proposal for Revisions to Certification Requirements for Financial Assistance Recipients
The General Services Administration (GSA) is requesting comments on proposed revision to the system for award management (SAM.gov) registration requirements for financial assistance recipients. The revisions align with updated executive branch guidance including the Department of Justice “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination.” To view the proposed revisions and submit any comments by the 3/30/2026 deadline, visit the GSA public notice here.
Multi-State Coalition Sues Trump Administration to Stop New IPEDS Data Collection Survey
On March 11, 2026, New Jersey joined a coalition of 17 attorneys general challenging the Trump Administration’s new “Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement” (ACTS) survey to IPEDS that tracks institutions' compliance with Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. To view the complaint, visit here. On March 13, 2026, a temporary restraining order was granted extending the deadline to complete the survey through March 25, 2026 to allow time for a hearing and resolution of issues.
Attorney General Davenport Sues Trump Administration to Stop Raising Prices with Illegal Tariffs
On March 5, 2026, NJ Attorney General Davenport joined a coalition of attorneys in filing a lawsuit to block President Trump’s latest efforts to impose illegal tariffs on American consumers and businesses through Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. For more information and to view the multi-state complaint, visit the NJ Office of the Attorney General website.
The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education is continuing to compile information about any institutions who are experiencing issues with federal funding or other impacts due to federal action. Please submit a brief summary of issues to Stefani.Thachik@oshe.nj.gov if applicable to your institution. Find updates and resources regarding federal actions on OSHE's Federal Actions Impacting Higher Education page
Official Site of The State of New Jersey