Students Helping Young Students Act of 2025This bill expands the Federal Work-Study Program to include work-study programs at institutions of higher education that compensate students who are employed in educational after-school, before-school, or nonschool community service activities at public elementary and secondary schools.
Impact
The implementation of SB 377 would have significant implications for the funding and structure of federal work-study programs. By mandating the inclusion of after-school activities in the definition of community service, this bill ensures that students at eligible public elementary and secondary schools can be compensated for their contributions in a structured educational environment. Furthermore, the bill prioritizes low-income communities, thereby aiming to enhance both educational outcomes and community development, which could lead to improved standards in areas that face socio-economic challenges.
Summary
Senate Bill 377, known as the Students Helping Young Students Act of 2025, proposes an amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a work-study program focused on off-campus community service activities. By integrating work-study opportunities into after-school programs, the bill aims to provide practical experience for students while also addressing the needs of local educational institutions. This initiative is particularly designed to engage students in educational activities that take place outside of regular school hours, thereby promoting civic engagement and community involvement among the youth.
Contention
Notably, discussions surrounding the bill may center on the feasibility of program execution and the allocation of federal resources. Proponents argue that expanding work-study to community service benefits students and communities alike, suggesting it can foster a stronger sense of community among students while aiding schools in delivering valuable services. However, potential opponents could raise concerns regarding funding priorities, assessing whether the bill adequately addresses the infrastructure needed to support such programs while not detracting from existing educational resources.
Native American Education Opportunity Act This bill addresses education savings account programs and charter schools for tribal students. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior, at the request of federally recognized Indian tribes, to provide funds to tribes for tribal-based education savings account programs. Tribes must use these funds to award grants to education savings accounts for students who (1) attended or will be eligible to attend a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); or (2) will not be attending a school operated by the BIE, receiving an education savings account from another tribe, or attending public elementary or secondary school while participating in the program. Funds may be used for items and activities such as costs of attendance at private schools, private tutoring and online learning programs, textbooks, educational software, or examination fees. The Government Accountability Office must review the implementation of these education savings account programs, including any factors impacting increased participation in such programs. Additionally, the bill authorizes the BIE to approve and fund charter schools at any school that it operates or funds.
Children Have Opportunities in Classrooms Everywhere Act This bill allows tax-exempt distributions from qualified tuition programs (known as 529 plans) to be used for additional educational expenses in connection with elementary or secondary school. The bill also allows certain federal funds for elementary and secondary education to follow a student from a low-income household to the public school that the student attends or for tax-exempt educational expenses. Under current law, tax-exempt distributions in connection with elementary or secondary school are limited to tuition for a public, private, or religious school. The bill allows these distributions to be used additionally for curriculum and curricular materials, books or other instructional materials, online educational materials, tutoring or educational classes outside the home, testing fees, fees for dual enrollment in an institution of higher education, and educational therapies for students with disabilities. Distributions may also be used for tuition and the purposes above in connection with a home school (whether treated as a home school or a private school under state law). In addition, the bill directs state educational agencies to allocate grant funds to ensure the funding follows students to their public school or for other tax-exempt educational expenses outlined by the bill. Each state that carries out these allocations must establish a plan that allows the parent of an eligible child to apply for grant funds.
To support the behavioral needs of students and youth, invest in the school-based behavioral health workforce, and ensure access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits.