Departments

Education

CAP’s Education Department aims to change America’s approach to early childhood, K-12 education, higher education, and lifelong learning by ensuring equitable access to resources, developing community-centered policies, and promoting the ability to participate fully in an inclusive economy built on a strong democracy.

Students walk to their classrooms at a public middle school in Los Angeles, California, September 10, 2021. (Getty/Robyn Beck/AFP)

What We're Doing

Modernize and elevate the teaching profession

CAP has identified a series of proposals, including a grant program that would increase recruitment and retention of highly qualified educators in schools with the highest teacher turnover, helping ensure equitable access to great teaching in school districts across the country.

Provide access to quality, affordable child care

CAP has helped shape key child care and preschool policy proposals, many of which are included in the Biden administration’s Build Back Better agenda, and furthered the understanding of child care research, including cost of care, child care deserts, family spending, and workforce participation.

Promote investments in higher education

CAP has advocated for investments in higher education, including better supporting community college and part-time students, boosting the Pell Grant for low-income students, investing in minority-serving institutions, and recognizing the importance of robust student advising and wraparound supports.

InProgress is a weekly newsletter that keeps you up to date on key policies and empowers you to advocate for change.

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The Future of Student Debt Relief: What To Expect Next Article
A “class of 2023” cap and tassel are seen.

The Future of Student Debt Relief: What To Expect Next

With the student loan payment pause ending in September 2023, this column helps to answer questions borrowers may have about what the Biden-Harris administration is doing to pursue debt relief and what to expect in the upcoming negotiated rulemaking that will take place from October through December 2023.

CAP Comments on the EPA’s Proposed Rule on Lead Dust Levels in Child-Occupied Facilities Sign-On Letter

CAP Comments on the EPA’s Proposed Rule on Lead Dust Levels in Child-Occupied Facilities

The Center for American Progress submitted a comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in response to the agency’s proposed lower lead dust hazard standards and clearance levels for child-occupied homes and child care facilities.

Challenges and Opportunities of Providing Free School Meals for All Report
Three elementary students sit and compare lunches at a cafeteria table.

Challenges and Opportunities of Providing Free School Meals for All

The Center for American Progress’ community conversations with a Colorado school district illustrate how offering no-cost school meals is critical for students’ success and opportunities.

Allie Pearce, Anona Neal

Strengthening Early Childhood Health, Housing, Education, and Economic Well-Being Through Holistic Public Policy Report
A child stacks duplo legos to make a tower in a Head Start classroom for children ages 3 to 5.

Strengthening Early Childhood Health, Housing, Education, and Economic Well-Being Through Holistic Public Policy

The preschool years present a critical developmental period sensitive to changes in public health and social policy, for which robust investments in programs that support families can improve intergenerational outcomes.

Community-Based Strategies To Reduce Gun Violence in Schools Article
Photo shows an empty basketball court facing a one-story white school, with a chainlink fence between the camera lens and the basketball court

Community-Based Strategies To Reduce Gun Violence in Schools

In addition to efforts from state and federal lawmakers, schools and communities have a critical role to play in addressing school gun violence through prevention and intervention approaches.

Allie Pearce, Akilah Alleyne

The Tortured Path of the Gainful Employment Rule Article
The Capitol building seen at the top of outdoor stairs

The Tortured Path of the Gainful Employment Rule

As the U.S. Department of Education prepares to publish its final gainful employment rule, learn more about the history of this key consumer safeguard meant to eliminate the worst actors before multitudes of students fall prey to poor practices.

Madison Weiss

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