Federal Education Programs

This section reflects information obtained from the Federal Interagency Committee on Education. A 1982 executive order established FICE and directed the committee to “study and make recommendations for assuring effective coordination of federal programs, policies and administrative practices affecting education.”

The executive order set five goals for the committee:

• Consistent administration and development of policies and practices among federal agencies in the conduct of related programs
• Full and effective cooperation with the secretary on such studies and analyses as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this act
• Full and effective cooperation with the secretary on such studies and analyses as are necessary to carry out the purposes of the order
• Coordination of related programs to ensure that recipients of federal assistance are efficiently and responsively served
• Full and effective involvement and participation of students and parents in federal education programs

In addition to the U.S. Department of Education, 11 cabinet-level agencies participate (the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interior Transportation and Treasury) and several non-cabinet agencies.

FICE meets regularly to review educational programs within different agencies. The information provided in this section is targeted to teachers and students.

Highlights

Department of Energy

• U.S. Department of Energy, Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists offers workforce development programs designed to prepare scientists, engineers and technical professionals for the future. The program is also geared toward educators who want to advance their STEM training to use in their classrooms and engage young learners in math and science topics.
• U.S. Department of Energy Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for K-12 STEM teachers to work and influence education and policy on a national level.
  • Selected teachers spend up to 11 months in a congressional office or federal agency.
  • Past participating agencies include the Defense Department, Department of Energy, the Library of Congress, the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Geological Survey and the Department of Homeland Security.
  • The fellows provide their educational expertise, years of experience and personal insights to these offices.
• U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl is a highly visible educational event and academic competition.
  • Teams of high school students attend science seminars, compete in verbal forums to solve technical problems and answer questions in all branches of science and math.
  • The regional and national events encourage student involvement in math and science activities, improve awareness of career options in science and technology, and provide an avenue of enrichment and reward for academic science achievement.
• U.S. Department of Energy Renew America’s Schools promotes the implementation of clean energy improvements in K-12 schools across the nation. Grants help schools upgrade energy infrastructure to lower energy costs and improve indoor air quality to foster a better learning environment.
• U.S. Department of Energy Education Resources for Educators provides educational and training resources, including energy videos and a variety of K-12 resources. Education resources are available in Spanish.
• U.S. Department of Energy Clean Energy Resources for Educators is a comprehensive list of free or low-cost K-12 education resources. Offerings include booklets on energy conservation and recycling, educational films and videos, tours and classroom presentations, science and energy curricula, newsletters and more from 163 organizations. Contact information and website addresses are included.

Appalachian Regional Commission

• Appalachian Regional Commission recognizes that education and training are the driving forces behind Appalachia’s economic growth, preparing students and workers to compete successfully in the world economy. The commission provides grants, research information and resources to help the community strengthen its education and training systems, address economic disparity and advance the well-being of those living in the region.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services

• The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent federal grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners by helping libraries and museums serve their communities.
  • The institute fosters leadership, innovation and a lifetime of learning by supporting the nation’s 35,000 museums and 120,000 libraries.
  • IMLS encourages partnerships to expand the educational benefit of libraries and museums.
  • IMLS supports museums of all disciplines, including art, history, botanic gardens, aquariums, science and technology centers, children’s museums and zoos.
  • The agency’s work benefits libraries of all types, including public, research, academic and tribal.

Library Of Congress

• Library of Congress Digital Collections is the front door to primary source materials relating to the history and culture of the United States. Hundreds of online collections are available to educators, students and the general public. Collection formats include digitized documents, manuscripts, films, photographs, prints, sound recordings and maps. Topics include American history, government and politics, war and military, performing arts, geography and much more.
• Library of Congress Teachers page offers an in-depth look at various programs offered, guidance for getting started with primary sources, classroom materials and onsite and self-paced professional development offerings. Designed for educators and students, the website provides lesson plans, presentations, activities and primary source collections to use in the classroom.
• Library of Congress Exhibitions are assembled on various topics for visitors to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Library of Congress Exhibits curate materials from a variety of sources, including Library of Congress collections and materials on loan from other institutions. Teachers and students can access digitized portions of these presentations online.

U.S. Mint

• U.S. Mint Coin Classroom offers students and teachers a variety of games and facts, resources, printables, Mint and coin history lessons, and collector information to foster learning.