U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education is the federal agency responsible for establishing national education policy and administering and coordinating most federal assistance to education. Created in 1980, the department supports students, families, educators, schools and training providers through funding, research, data collection, civil rights enforcement and access to financial aid. Although education in the United States is primarily managed at state and local level, the department helps coordinate federal programmes and promote equal access to educational opportunities. Its work includes career and technical education, adult learning and workforce preparation, which are relevant to efforts addressing shortages in skilled trades and infrastructure occupations.