US Education and Labour departments launch partnership to connect college programs with workforce needs, ETEducation
In a significant move to strengthen the link between higher education and employment, the U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Labor (DOL) announced a new partnership aimed at aligning postsecondary education programs with workforce development. Starting the week of January 20, 2026, staff from ED’s Higher Education Programs (HEP) Division will be detailed to work at DOL. The initiative is designed to improve coordination between federal education and workforce programs, ensuring students’ learning aligns with career opportunities.
Integration of staff and grants systems
As part of the initiative, HEP staff will temporarily join DOL to facilitate coordination and integration of programs. HEP grantees will transition to DOL’s Grant Solutions and Payment Management System, unifying grant management and payment procedures across both departments. This approach follows the model of the Workforce Development Partnership, which successfully combined federal funding and program oversight for workforce initiatives. By aligning systems, the government aims to reduce duplication, simplify processes for institutions, and provide better support to students pursuing postsecondary education.
Preparing students for careers
A central goal of the partnership is to ensure students graduate with skills that meet the needs of employers. Dr. David Barker, Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education, emphasized that the program will help students select courses and programs that match workforce demand. Dr. Henry Mack, Assistant Secretary for the Employment and Training Administration, highlighted the importance of producing graduates who are “career-ready” while also developing well-rounded citizens. This focus supports broader national objectives, including increasing worker mobility, improving accountability, and advancing the country’s industrial and economic goals.
Background on federal collaboration
The ED-DOL partnership builds on multiple Interagency Agreements (IAAs) launched by ED in November 2025. These agreements aim to break up federal bureaucracy, improve program delivery, and move toward returning more education oversight to the states. Under the new collaboration, DOL will manage grant funds, provide technical assistance, and integrate postsecondary education programs with existing workforce programs in accordance with federal law.
Impact on students and higher education
ED and DOL will provide detailed guidance to all grantees during the transition. Institutions and students can expect clearer pathways from education to employment, with streamlined administrative processes and more targeted program support.The partnership represents a historic federal effort to connect college programs with career readiness. Students are expected to benefit from programs that are closely tied to labor market needs, while colleges and universities can better coordinate with employers and government initiatives. The move signals a broader strategy to equip graduates with the skills needed for economic success while maintaining high standards of education.
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