The U.S. Department of Education has established six new interagency partnerships aimed at improving the administration of federal education programs. Through agreements with the Departments of Labor, Interior, Health and Human Services, and State, the Department is reallocating certain operational responsibilities to agencies with relevant expertise while maintaining overall policy oversight. These changes are intended to streamline federal processes, reduce administrative overlap, and support more coordinated delivery of services across education-related programs.
The full press release along with partnership fact sheets is listed below.
Press Release
U.S. Department of Education Announces Six New Agency Partnerships to Break Up Federal Bureaucracy
New Agreements Signed with Departments of Labor, Interior, Health and Human Services, and State
November 18, 2025
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) today announced six new interagency agreements (IAAs) with four agencies to break up the federal education bureaucracy, ensure efficient delivery of funded programs, activities, and move closer to fulfilling the President’s promise to return education to the states. By partnering with agencies that are best positioned to deliver results for students and taxpayers, these IAAs will streamline federal education activities on the legally required programs, reduce administrative burdens, and refocus programs and activities to better serve students and grantees.
These new partnerships with the Departments of Labor (DOL), Interior (DOI), Health and Human Services (HHS), and State mark a major step toward improving the management of select ED programs by leveraging partner agencies’ administrative expertise and experience working with relevant stakeholders. These agreements follow a successful workforce development partnership signed with DOL earlier this year, which has created an integrated federal education and workforce system and reduced the need for states to consult multiple federal agencies to effectively manage their programs.
“The Trump Administration is taking bold action to break up the federal education bureaucracy and return education to the states,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “Cutting through layers of red tape in Washington is one essential piece of our final mission. As we partner with these agencies to improve federal programs, we will continue to gather best practices in each state through our 50-state tour, empower local leaders in K-12 education, restore excellence to higher education, and work with Congress to codify these reforms. Together, we will refocus education on students, families, and schools – ensuring federal taxpayer spending is supporting a world-class education system.”
ED and DOL: Elementary and Secondary Education Partnership
ED and DOL are establishing the Elementary and Secondary Education Partnership to empower parents and states, promote innovation, and deliver program improvements in pursuit of better outcomes for students in elementary and secondary education. DOL will take on a greater role in administering federal K-12 programs, ensuring these programs are better aligned with workforce and college programs to set students up for success at every part of their education journey. With proper oversight by ED, DOL will manage competitions, provide technical assistance, and integrate ED’s programs with the suite of employment and training programs DOL already administers.
“The Labor Department is committed to working with the Department of Education to ensure our K-12 and postsecondary education programs prepare students for today and tomorrow’s workforce demands,” said Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “Parents and community leaders understand how important training and education are for students from all walks of life to succeed and support their local economies. Secretary McMahon and I will continue advancing President Trump’s vision to deliver effective, streamlined resources, so every student has a clear pathway from education to opportunity.”
View the partnership fact sheet for Elementary and Secondary Education here.
ED and DOL: Postsecondary Education Partnership
ED and DOL are establishing the Postsecondary Education Partnership to better coordinate postsecondary education and workforce development programs. DOL will take on a greater role in administering most postsecondary education grant programs authorized under the Higher Education Act. The backdrop for this agreement is our nation’s annual labor shortage of over 700,000 skilled jobs and the Trump Administration’s commitment to transforming the federal government’s approach to workforce development. These grants will help students from all walks of life obtain the credentials and career training they need to prosper and contribute to the American economy, as well as provide institutions of higher education with resources to support innovative strategies for learning and workforce advancement. With proper oversight by ED, DOL will manage grant funds, provide technical assistance, and integrate ED’s postsecondary education programs into the suite of programs DOL already administers.
View the partnership fact sheet for Higher Education here.
ED and DOI: Indian Education Partnership
ED and DOI are establishing the Indian Education Partnership to improve Native American education in the United States. DOI will take on a greater role in administering Indian Education programs relating to elementary and secondary education, higher education, career and technical education, and vocational rehabilitation, solidifying the agency as the key point of contact for Tribes and Native students. With proper oversight by ED, DOI will manage competitions, provide technical assistance, and integrate ED’s Indian Education programs with the suite of programs DOI already administers.
“Under President Donald Trump, Native American education programs will become stronger, more accountable, and fully dedicated to ensuring Native students are prepared for success,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Through a vital partnership with the Department of Education, the Department of the Interior will assume administration for enhancing Indian education programs, streamlining operations, and refocusing efforts to better serve Native youth and adults across the nation. Today is just the beginning of a brighter future where Native students and their communities are empowered with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to thrive for generations to come.”
View the partnership fact sheet for Indian Education here.
ED and HHS: Foreign Medical Accreditation Partnership
ED and HHS are establishing the Foreign Medical Accreditation Partnership to apply the expertise of HHS staff to evaluating whether the standards of accreditation for foreign medical schools are comparable with the standards for medical schools in the U.S. HHS will oversee the work of the affiliated National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA).
“Medical education must incorporate timely, rigorous science on nutrition, metabolism and all medical subjects. Secretary Kennedy is leading the charge with American medical schools and HHS will encourage foreign medical schools through this partnership,” said Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill.
View the partnership fact sheet for Foreign Medical Accreditation here.
ED and HHS: Child Care Access Means Parents in School Partnership
ED and HHS are establishing the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Partnership to improve on-campus child care support for parents enrolled in college. As HHS already oversees child care-focused grants, this partnership will bring much needed efficiency and coherent guidelines to the execution of the CCAMPIS program. HHS will manage existing competitions, provide technical assistance, and integrate ED’s CCAMPIS program.
“The Trump Administration is streamlining unnecessary bureaucracy and cutting red tape to allow us to serve more student-parents across college campuses,” said Alex J. Adams, Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families. “Our partnership with the Department of Education will ensure families have access to childcare options that meet their needs and can accelerate their educational and economic success.”
View the partnership fact sheet for the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program here.
ED and State: International Education and Foreign Language Studies Partnership
ED and State are establishing the International Education and Foreign Language Studies Partnership to improve efficiencies for programs administered under the Fulbright-Hays grant. State already administers the Fulbright Program and is best positioned to tailor foreign education programs with the national security and foreign policy priorities of the United States. The partnership provides an opportunity to streamline international education program funding and data collection measures, consolidate program management, and advance national security interests.
“Shifting the administration of these programs to the Department of State will help advance President Trump’s agenda,” said Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers. “With its unmatched global reach and deep public diplomacy expertise, the State Department will strengthen and streamline these programs while equipping American students and professionals with skills that are critical to our national interests. Thanks to President Trump’s bold vision, we are cutting red tape so that our foreign policy tools deliver maximum results for the American people.”
View the partnership fact sheet for International Education and Foreign Language Studies here.
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education Announces Six New Agency Partnerships to Break Up Federal Bureaucracy