U.S. Education and Labor Departments Forge New Partnership to Connect College with Careers
In a major step to bridge the gap between higher education and employment, the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor have announced a collaborative initiative. This partnership aims to align postsecondary education programs directly with workforce development goals.
Staff Integration and System Alignment Begin in 2026
Starting the week of January 20, 2026, staff from the Education Department's Higher Education Programs Division will work temporarily at the Labor Department. These employees will facilitate better coordination between federal education and workforce programs.
HEP grantees will transition to DOL's Grant Solutions and Payment Management System. This move unifies grant management and payment procedures across both departments. It follows the successful model of the Workforce Development Partnership, which combined federal funding and oversight for workforce initiatives.
By aligning these systems, the government hopes to reduce duplication and simplify processes for educational institutions. Students pursuing postsecondary education should receive more streamlined support as a result.
Focus on Preparing Career-Ready Graduates
A central goal of this partnership is ensuring students graduate with skills that meet employer demands. Dr. David Barker, Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education, emphasized the program will help students choose courses and programs matching workforce needs.
Dr. Henry Mack, Assistant Secretary for the Employment and Training Administration, highlighted the importance of producing graduates who are "career-ready" while also developing as well-rounded citizens.
This focus supports broader national objectives including:
- Increasing worker mobility
- Improving accountability in education programs
- Advancing the country's industrial and economic goals
Building on Previous Federal Collaboration Efforts
The ED-DOL partnership builds upon multiple Interagency Agreements launched by the Education Department in November 2025. These agreements aim to break down federal bureaucracy, improve program delivery, and move toward returning more education oversight to states.
Under the new collaboration, the Labor Department will manage grant funds and provide technical assistance. They will integrate postsecondary education programs with existing workforce programs in accordance with federal law.
Expected Impact on Students and Higher Education
Both departments will provide detailed guidance to all grantees during the transition period. Institutions and students can anticipate clearer pathways from education to employment.
Administrative processes should become more streamlined with more targeted program support available. This partnership represents a historic federal effort to connect college programs directly with career readiness.
Students are expected to benefit from programs closely tied to labor market needs. Colleges and universities can better coordinate with employers and government initiatives.
The move signals a broader strategy to equip graduates with skills needed for economic success while maintaining high educational standards.
