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contact: press@todaysstudents.org

A Critical Time for Advocates of Student Success Programs

Statement from Tanya Ang, TSC’s executive director, on the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement to redirect $167 million in federal funds intended for student success programs

WASHINGTON – Today’s Students Coalition (TSC) is deeply concerned by the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement of new funding priorities for 2025 under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). The plan redirects $167 million to new policy priorities, harming the same students FIPSE programs were designed to support, including first-generation students, students from low-income backgrounds, parenting students, students of color, rural learners, veterans, and others navigating college in complex circumstances. These programs — such as the Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) program, Basic Needs Grants, Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success, and Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grants — have been instrumental in helping today’s students access inclusive pathways to opportunity and complete their educational pursuits.

“Federal investments like these are critical for helping today’s students not only access higher education, but complete it,” said Tanya Ang, TSC’s executive director. “Programs that address basic needs, prioritize access and retention, and improve completion rates have proven to make a difference in students’ ability to stay in school and earn a postsecondary credential.

“At a time when our economy is already struggling and people currently out of work are looking to upskill or reskill, we call on Congress and the Department to work together to ensure that future funding decisions continue to prioritize programs that remove barriers, promote completion, and help all of today’s students — regardless of background or circumstance — reach their goals.”

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