Emerging Tech

White House Unveils New Quantum Sciences Education Initiative 

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy aims to foster the next generation of talent in quantum information sciences to match growing demand. 

Policy

DHS Expands Fields of Study In STEM Training Program 

The 22 new fields of study have been added to the STEM Optional Practical Training program in a bid to keep U.S. science and math education competitive.

Ideas

The (Long) Waiting Game to Get My Student Loans Forgiven

The student loan forgiveness process for public servants is a disaster. After almost five years, I’m still waiting to have all my loans forgiven.

Cybersecurity

Senators Urge Better Cyber Protection For K-12 Schools

A recent Government Accountability Office report dove into how virtual classrooms are increasing vulnerability to ransomware and other cyber threats.

Ideas

College Cost Calculators Aren’t Precise, but They Could Easily Be Made Better

College expenses determined by net price calculators can vary by an average of $5,700.

Digital Government

Education Department Updates Rules and Criminal Penalties for Accessing Agency Data

A new filing updates the department’s policies on who can access IT systems and data, as well as the fines and prison terms for unauthorized access or failing to secure data.

Policy

Billions of Federal Dollars to Close Broadband Gaps are About to Start Flowing

The FCC has launched a program that provides $50 subsidies to help households pay internet bills and also approved rules for a $7 billion fund for libraries and schools.

Cybersecurity

Existing Agency Threat Hunters Welcome CISA’s New Authorities 

For the Department of Education, proactive threat hunting means not just taking down questionable URLs but buying them up.

Ideas

Common App Announces Changes to Create More Inclusive College Application Process for LGBTQ+ Students

The Common App board announced it will reframe its sex and gender questions, barriers to higher education LGBTQ+ people face.

Ideas

DeVos Vows to Require Standardized Tests Again: 4 Questions Answered

States may face a financial hit if they do not heed DeVos’ warning about testing.

Digital Government

Education Department Testing Tool to Make Data Collection Requests Easier 

The pilot tool will undergo testing using real information requests at the Education Department and other statistical agencies but will later be available to other agencies.

Digital Government

The Education Department is Investigating Foreign Influence at Two Prominent Universities

The agency wants detailed records of what the institutions received from the Russian, Chinese, Saudi Arabian and Qatar governments, as well as Huawei, ZTE and others.

Modernization

6 Lessons from Government Customer Experience Professionals

Officials from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Transportation Security Administration and Office of Federal Student Aid explained what’s worked in improving customer experience.

Digital Government

To Unleash a Modern Workforce, America Must Revamp Education

Federal leaders say the nation needs to pivot education towards tech-focused training in fields like robotics.

Ideas

Kids Might Close Government’s IT Talent Gap

Technology literacy rates are on the rise, likely due to the emphasis placed on STEM education in schools.