Latest
Research Report
|
March 12, 2026
A Higher Education Compact that Protects American Students, Parents and Taxpayers
In October of 2025, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) shared a draft document titled Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education (Compact) with a select group of university leaders. Consistent with the Trump Administration’s demonstrated commitment to transparency, the first-of-its-kind prospectus documented the federal government’s top priorities and expectations for colleges and universities in exchange for the tremendous investment made by taxpayers in postsecondary education.
Research Report
|
February 26, 2026
Aligning Postsecondary Education to Employment and Labor Market Outcomes
There is an implied understanding between the students who take on debt to attend college, the federal government that provides loans and grants on behalf of the student to pursue a degree, and the college that receives payment to provide education. The belief is that investments in higher education will lead students to gainful employment in a field related to their college major or program.
Expert Insights
|
February 23, 2026
How a Compact Restores Public Trust in American Higher Education
Americans have lost faith in their institutions of higher education. According to Gallup, only 42% of Americans expressed confidence in American higher education in 2025, down from 57% in 2015 and up only slightly from 36% in 2023 and 2024. Findings from the Pew Research Center confirm this trend: a 2025 poll found 70% of Americans believe higher education is “going in the wrong direction,” up from 56% in 2020. Only 28% think higher education is “going in the right direction,” down from 38% in 2020.
News Release
|
February 17, 2026
AFPI Releases New Civics Education Research Report Ahead of America 250
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) has released a new research report titled, “Restoring Civics Education to Revitalize our Republic,” in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
Research Report
|
February 17, 2026
Restoring Civics Education to Revitalize Our Republic
As the United States approaches its 250th “Semiquincentennial” anniversary, questions of civic virtue are moving to the forefront of the national discussion. The Trump Administration has made unprecedented investments in civics and patriotic education, while simultaneously revitalizing America’s commitment to school choice, apprenticeship programs, and workforce readiness. It is also working to advance a national renewal of civic pride under the banner of a new American History and Civics Education initiative, building on the historic work of the 1776 Commission
Experts on Post Secondary Education
Erika Donalds
Chair, Education Opportunity
Jay Menees, Ph.D.
Senior Policy Analyst, Higher Education and Economy & Trade Policy
Christopher Schorr, Ph.D.
Director of the Higher Education Reform Initiative
Michael Shires, Ph.D.
Vice Chair of Education Opportunity
Jovan Tripkovic
Policy Analyst, Higher Education Reform Initiative
Videos
Selected...
A New Era for College Sports: The Saving College Sports Proposal Outshines the SCORE and SAFE Acts
Selected...
How Mississippi Beat the Odds: Gov. Tate Reeves on Literacy Reform and the School Choice Revolution
Selected...
Secretary McMahon, AFPI, TPUSA, & Partners Launch New Civics Coalition
Selected...
America First Unfiltered: Criminals Deported, AI in Classrooms, & DEI Dismantled
Selected...
America First Unfiltered: Trump Protects Social Security, Lowers Drug Costs & Deports Criminals
Selected...
AFPI Welcomes Erika Donalds as Chair of the Center for Education Opportunity and Chair of the AFPI-Florida State Chapter
Selected...
Riley Gaines Joins America First’s Athletes Coalition as Vice Chair
Selected...
Foreign Influence in the Academy: How U.S. Adversaries are Reshaping Elite Universities
Selected...
Combating Fentanyl in Schools
Selected...
Combating Fentanyl - The America First Action Plan
Selected...