Welcome to our latest podcast on the Department of Education's news and developments. This week, the most significant headline comes from the official release of the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA form. The U.S. Department of Education announced that after four successful rounds of beta testing, the form is now available to all students and families, marking a crucial step in making college more accessible and affordable.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona stated, "After months of hard work and lots of feedback from students, schools, and other stakeholders, we can say with confidence that FAFSA is working and will serve as the gateway to college access and affordability to millions of students." This development is particularly significant as it comes at a time when there are concerns about potential changes to the Department of Education under the new administration.

Speaking of which, there's been a lot of talk about Project 2025, a 922-page document created by the Heritage Foundation that outlines plans to significantly change the American educational system. The project calls for the elimination of the Department of Education, which could have profound impacts on federal funding for disadvantaged students and programs like Title I, which supports low-income school districts.

Martha Bigelow, chair of the University of Minnesota's Department of Curriculum and Instruction, noted that the biggest impact of Project 2025 on university students will be the declining financial support for disadvantaged students. "A fairly small percentage of school budgets come from the federal government," Bigelow said. "It's funds for programs for the most vulnerable kids, and so what will probably happen is the states have to figure out how to serve those kids."

This could lead to a patchwork of different state policies, potentially leaving vulnerable populations without the support they need. The National Education Association has also expressed concerns about Project 2025's plans to strip away federal funding and protections for LGBTQ+ students and women.

Looking ahead, it's crucial for citizens to stay informed and engaged. The Department of Education will continue to monitor the 2025-26 FAFSA form and make adjustments as needed. Meanwhile, the public can provide input on potential policy changes by contacting their representatives and staying up to date with the latest news from the Department of Education.

For more information, visit the Department of Education's website at ed.gov. And remember, the deadline for FAFSA submissions is approaching, so don't wait to apply. Your voice matters, and together, we can ensure that education remains accessible and equitable for all. Thank you for tuning in.