Touching Base May 2022

U.S. Department of Education Announces Over $220 Million in Investments to Support Student Recovery

In April, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced major actions and investments from government, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations to support student academic and mental health recovery as part of the Department’s broader effort to help students, schools, and communities recover from the pandemic and emerge stronger. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) has funded efforts to help students recover academically through summer learning and enrichment and has enhanced educational and mental health supports in districts across the country. These announcements were made at the Department’s ARP Summit, From Recovery to Thriving, broadcast online and held in partnership with the National Public Education Support Fund.

Nationwide Call for Student Performing Artists

The Department recently issued a nationwide call for student performing artists currently enrolled in elementary, secondary, or postsecondary schools who are interested in showcasing their talent — in-person or virtually — at internal and external agency-hosted events.  Such performances include, but are not limited to, soloists, bands/marching bands, choirs, color guards, dancers, poets/spoken word artists, and theatrical performers. Responses to this call are voluntary and will provide the Department with a repository of student talent that may be matched to specific events that amplify the mission and initiatives of the agency. The link above includes frequently asked questions, submission instructions, and other related guidance.  If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete your submission and/or answer any related questions, please contact studentart@ed.gov . 

Department Announces Actions to Fix Long-Standing Failures in Student Loan Programs

In April, the Department announced steps that will bring student loan borrowers closer to public service loan and income-driven repayment (IDR) forgiveness by addressing historical failures in the administration of federal student loan programs. The Federal Student Aid office estimates that these changes will result in immediate debt cancellation for at least 40,000 borrowers under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. More than 3.6 million borrowers will also receive at least three years of additional credit toward IDR forgiveness (see Twitter thread and video).

#ThankATeacher

In acknowledgement of early May’s Teacher Appreciation Week, the Department is grateful for all personnel who serve in our programs and schools across the country and inspire growth, development and learning in students of all ages. In an interview with Dawn Ellis, the Department’s liaison to parents and families, Adriana Gonzalez, a UnidosUS parent, expressed her appreciation for teachers Ms. Estrada and Ms. Slatery at Acero Schools — Chicago, “I am grateful for all the support and advice that you have provided to Abril so she can continue her learning, both in English and Spanish.  I appreciate all the reading tips, the videos that you prepare for us on the Dojo App so that Abril continues to succeed, but above all for all the patience and love you have given her.”

 Make time this year to thank the educators in your life.

Veteran Readiness and Employment Support-and-Services Tracks

If you have a service-connected disability that impacts your ability to work and are a veteran or service member, the Veteran Readiness and Employment program (formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) may be able to help.  The program offers five support-and-services tracks to help you get education and training. This program will also help you maintain a job and live as independently as possible.

Department of Veterans Facilities Review Recommends Improvements

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Asset and Infrastructure Review of facilities to determine how to better invest resources for veterans was released March 14.  As a result, recommendations were made to modernize or replace outdated buildings and expand services to align with veterans’ needs, among other crucial improvements.

The Posse Veterans Program 2023 Cohort Scholarship Applications

If you are a veteran and wish to pursue your bachelor’s degree, why not do it with nine other veterans?  The Posse Veterans Program scholarship is the only program that identifies, trains, and supports groups of 10 veterans to attain their bachelor’s degrees together. From the military to the classroom, you will always be with your posse! Nominations are open for the 2023 Scholarship Cohort through Sept. 15, 2022. For more information, click on https://www.possefoundation.org/shaping-the-future/posse-veterans-program, and to nominate a veteran, click on https://www.possefoundation.org/nominate-a-veteran.