AAU joined a coalition letter urging the Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget to fully apportion and obligate FY25 Institute of Education Sciences (IES) funding before it lapses on September 30, 2026.
Dear Secretary McMahon and Director Vought:
We, the 97 undersigned organizations, write to express our deep concern regarding the status of FY25 funding for the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and to urge immediate action to ensure that these funds are fully apportioned and obligated before they lapse on September 30, 2026.
Congress provided FY25 funding to IES that, based on statute, the agency has two years to spend. However, based on publicly available data, approximately $289 million of FY25 IES funding has not yet been apportioned to program accounts and does not appear to be on track for timely obligation. Approximately 36 percent ($289 million) of FY25 IES funding could lapse on September 30, 2026, if swift action is not taken.
While the funding expiration date is approaching quickly, there is still time for OMB and ED to act. Prompt action is necessary to ensure sufficient time to responsibly plan and execute funding opportunities and awards, preserving the administration’s ability to design and run grant competitions that reflect its priorities and respond to the needs of states.
IES plays a critical role in supporting education research, data collection, evaluation, and technical assistance that informs decision-making for states, school districts, and educators nationwide. If FY25 funding is allowed to lapse, the consequences will be immediate and far-reaching: states will lose out on services they rely upon, teachers will not have the tools needed to improve student outcomes and parents will be left without critical data about their child’s education.
These are not abstract losses, but real gaps in knowledge, support, and progress for students, teachers, and schools in every state. Put simply, if funding lapses, students and families will pay the price. Therefore, we respectfully urge ED and OMB to take immediate steps to apportion and obligate the remaining FY25 funding for IES consistent with enacted appropriations.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We stand ready to work with you to ensure that these resources are deployed effectively and as intended to support students, teachers and families across the U.S.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Rachel Dinkes [email protected].