Charter schools, U.S. history programs and HBCUs among those receiving millions in grant investments

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(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Education made a number of “historic” grant investments totalling over $1 billion in order to “advance educational outcomes,” with the move affecting charter schools among others.

The department will repurpose investments from other programs it deems “not in the best interest of students and families” and subsequently invest in charter schools, American history and civics programs, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), according to a news release on the “historic investments.”

When reached, the Department of Education referred The Center Square to a statement from Secretary of Education Linda McMahon as well as statements of praise from two HBCU trade organizations toward the department’s action.

McMahon said: “the Department is making three massive investments – redirecting financial support away from ineffective and discriminatory programs toward those which support student success.”

“We are proud to make the largest investment in the Charter Schools Grants Program in the Department’s history, support American history programs that will inspire young people to be active and informed citizens, and recognize Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities’ historic contributions to improving education and opportunity in our country,” McMahon said.

The Education Department “has carefully scrutinized our federal grants, ensuring that taxpayers are not funding racially discriminatory programs but those programs which promote merit and excellence in education,” McMahon said.

“The Trump Administration will use every available tool to meaningfully advance educational outcomes and ensure every American has the opportunity to succeed in life,” McMahon said.

The news release stated that $500 million in grants will be awarded to charter schools – making it the largest Charter Schools Program investment ever. This action is “to support education choice in fiscal year 2025.”

The investment in charter schools follows the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress scores “which showed dismal educational outcomes across the nation,” as well as fulfills a previous commitment the department made to increase funding for charter schools.

The “one-time investment in HBCUs and TCCUs” will equal $495 million, “on top of the anticipated FY 2025 investment.”

“In total, HBCUs will receive over $1.34 billion and TCCUs will receive over $108 million from the Department for fiscal year 2025,” the release said.

Investment in American history and civics programs follows a previously announced American History and Civics Seminars grant program.

The release said: “In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding – and in support of the Trump Administration’s priority to advance civic education – the Department will invest over $160 million in American history and civics grants.”

“The Department anticipates that a new investment will result in a record number of awards supporting civics education across the country,” the release said.