Latest
State Testimony
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March 19, 2026
Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Workforce in the Skilled Trades
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan research institute. Our guiding principles are liberty, free enterprise, foreign-policy engagement in the American interest, freedom of conscience, and the primacy of American workers, families, and communities. To this end, AFPI affirms and celebrates the American experiment and works to promulgate American values in our educational institutions, public policy, and culture. We are committed to policies that prioritize American workers, foster economic independence, and promote practical training pathways to high paying jobs.
Commentary
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March 18, 2026
Students and Taxpayers Deserve Outcome Transparency
Public confidence in higher education has plummeted to historic lows. Parents, students, and even colleges are increasingly aware that not all college degrees are likely to meaningfully improve students’ future earnings.
Statement
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March 16, 2026
AFPI Applauds Department of Labor’s Efforts to Bolster Apprenticeships
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) has released the following joint statement from the Education Freedom and American Dream campaigns in response to new guidance issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) concerning the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).
Research Report
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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
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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.
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
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How Mississippi Beat the Odds: Gov. Tate Reeves on Literacy Reform and the School Choice Revolution
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Secretary McMahon, AFPI, TPUSA, & Partners Launch New Civics Coalition
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America First Unfiltered: Criminals Deported, AI in Classrooms, & DEI Dismantled
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America First Unfiltered: Trump Protects Social Security, Lowers Drug Costs & Deports Criminals
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AFPI Welcomes Erika Donalds as Chair of the Center for Education Opportunity and Chair of the AFPI-Florida State Chapter
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Riley Gaines Joins America First’s Athletes Coalition as Vice Chair
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Foreign Influence in the Academy: How U.S. Adversaries are Reshaping Elite Universities
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Combating Fentanyl in Schools
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Combating Fentanyl - The America First Action Plan
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