Post Secondary Education

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.

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.

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

AFPI Applauds U.S. Department of Education Actions to Protect Student Data and Election Integrity

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) issued the following statement from Thomas Lane, Director of Election Integrity, on the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to launch Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) investigations into Tufts University and the National Student Clearinghouse amid allegations that student data was improperly shared with third parties, including political organizations, to influence elections.

Creating a New Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education