The Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2026 amends the Higher Education Act to provide specific protections and support services for homeless and foster care youth. The bill requires colleges to designate trained staff liaisons to assist these students with accessing financial aid, housing, and other essential resources, while also mandating that institutions offer priority access to on-campus housing during breaks. Additionally, the legislation expands eligibility for in-state tuition rates at public universities for both homeless and foster care youth and updates Federal TRIO programs to require outreach and barrier removal for these populations. The act also establishes new reporting requirements to track the number of homeless and foster youth served and mandates annual training for university staff.
The Healthy Access for Learning Act requires schools receiving federal education funds to provide students with at least 60 minutes of physical activity time each day. This new requirement includes designated recess periods and physical education classes, aiming to address rising rates of childhood obesity and improve academic performance. The bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to mandate these activity periods while allowing local school districts to determine the specific methods used to meet the goal. By integrating regular exercise into the school day, the legislation seeks to support student health and learning without reducing instructional time.
This bill proposes adding a new clause to the U.S. Constitution that mandates the federal government, states, Indian Tribes, and territories to work together to guarantee high-quality education for every person in the country. The amendment would give Congress the authority to pass laws necessary to enforce and carry out this educational requirement. If approved by three-fourths of the states, it would create a permanent constitutional obligation for all levels of government to ensure access to quality schooling.
The Summer Meals and Learning Act of 2026 creates a funding program to connect summer meal sites with early literacy activities. It authorizes $5 million annually from 2027 to 2031 for the Department of Education to grant funds to state library agencies, which will then distribute money to specific school districts. These districts must receive the funds only if they serve summer lunches and at least half of their kindergarten through third-grade students are reading below grade level or at risk of falling behind. The money is intended to support six-week summer programs that provide access to school libraries and literacy activities at these meal sites, with a focus on involving community partners.
The PLEDGE Act requires all elementary and secondary schools in the District of Columbia to display the United States flag in every classroom and recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily at the start of the school day. During these ceremonies, students and civilians must stand at attention, and students must recite the pledge while standing with their right hand over their heart. The law also mandates that students be informed of their right to opt out of reciting the pledge upon a written request from a parent, while prohibiting any displays that disrupt other students participating. Additionally, schools must provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities who cannot comply with the physical requirements of the ceremony.
The Colonel Gary LaGrange AgVets Act of 2026 creates a new grant program to help military veterans develop skills in farming and ranching. Eligible recipients include agricultural colleges, state departments, and nonprofit organizations, which must use the funds to provide education, workshops, and business management training for veterans. To receive these grants, organizations must match the federal funding with an equal amount of non-federal money. The bill authorizes $5 million annually in fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support these initiatives.
The Understanding AI in the Classroom Act directs the National Science Foundation to hold workshops within 18 months of enactment to study how artificial intelligence impacts children's learning, development, and trust in technology. These workshops will involve researchers, educators, school leaders, and parent groups to examine specific concerns such as attention spans, emotional growth, and potential biases affecting different age groups. Following the workshops, the National Science Foundation must produce a public report detailing any identified gaps in current knowledge about AI's effects on students. This legislation focuses on gathering data and understanding risks rather than immediately restricting or mandating the use of AI in schools.
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This Senate resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program, an initiative that facilitates international student and scholar exchanges in education, culture, and science. The bill formally acknowledges the program's role in promoting global goodwill and advancing U.S. foreign policy and national security through its extensive network of grants in over 160 countries. Additionally, it congratulates all past and present recipients of Fulbright awards and encourages people worldwide to pursue opportunities that foster international understanding and partnership.
The Heritage Legacy Act directs the Secretary of Education to provide grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in 2027 and subsequent years, with the grant amount equal to the total tuition charged to all qualified students at each institution. These funds must be used to offer direct scholarships to undergraduate students who are full-time enrollees and can prove they are descendants of individuals who were enslaved in the United States. To receive a scholarship, a student must provide documentation, such as census records, showing that at least one-quarter of their genes come from an ancestor who was enslaved, and the bill sets aside five percent of the funding to cover the costs of verifying these claims. Additionally, the legislation amends the Higher Education Act to ensure that scholarships awarded under this new program are excluded from calculations used to determine a student's financial aid index.
The POLAR Act establishes a new Directorate for Polar Programs within the National Science Foundation to oversee and advance scientific research, education, and infrastructure in the Arctic and Antarctica. This new directorate will manage logistics, support research stations and vessels, and coordinate with federal agencies and international partners to maintain a strong U.S. presence in these regions. The legislation authorizes the directorate to award grants and fellowships to universities, research institutions, and other entities, with a specific focus on incorporating indigenous knowledge and building a skilled workforce. Additionally, the act requires the creation of an advisory committee to guide program strategies and mandates annual reporting to Congress on funding priorities and progress.
