President Trump and the Department of Education funding would have assisted teacher training, student achievement, and more
DENVER - This week, the United States Department of Education pulled the rug out from under Colorado students, educators, and districts by withholding $71 Million in education grants that provide funding for afterschool and summer programs, teacher salaries, language courses, and professional development. This harmful funding freeze comes after many Colorado schools have already finalized their budgets, causing more uncertainty for schools, students and teachers. School districts rely on this funding, derived from federal title funds, to improve educator effectiveness and ensure students have access to safe and enriching academic settings all year long, support migratory children and English language learners, and without it, face serious financial pressure in the coming school year.
“This funding for our schools is already obligated, and it’s absurd that the federal government withheld it. Investing in education and ensuring that Colorado children have the best possible future has been a top priority, and it’s disappointing to see the federal government hurt students and teachers. This funding freeze is a direct attack on children, families, and Colorado educators and would take away critical resources from our schools. My administration has taken major steps in ensuring every Colorado student and educator has the best environment to learn and grow, from free, full-day kindergarten and preschool, and fully funding Colorado schools. We remain committed to protecting needed resources for Colorado schools and urge the Trump administration to reconsider this harmful freeze,” said Governor Jared Polis.
Education Commissioner Susana Córdova said: “Unless federal funding levels are restored, Colorado is projected to lose more than $70 million in education support for the 2025–2026 school year based on current allocations for Title I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, and IV-B programs. These funds are essential to supporting students, educators, and communities across all 178 school districts and BOCES. Without them, schools may face significant cuts to programs and services that families and educators rely on. These programs help ensure every child—no matter where they live—has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.”
As Chair of the National Governors Association, Governor Polis launched Let’s Get Ready: Educating All Americans for Success, a yearlong initiative designed to support the nation’s Governors in driving innovative education policies. Let’s Get Ready aims to help Governors form policies that better evaluate outcomes for state investments in education and improve outcomes for learners at all stages of their education journey. The initiative also focuses on the ways states can meet the future needs of the workforce by preparing students for success in and outside of the classroom.
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