High School Counselor Week
Weekly stories, facts, trends, and other information from around the country
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January 22, 2026
Trump administration rolls back $2 billion mental health, addiction grant cuts
NPR – January 14, 2026
A Trump administration official has confirmed to NPR that sweeping cuts to mental health and addiction programs worth more than $2 billion are being reversed. After a political backlash from Republicans and Democrats, the Department of Health and Human Services has reversed course and the grant money will be restored. The termination letters that were sent out Tuesday said bluntly that a wide variety of mental health and addiction programs didn’t align with the Trump administration’s public health agenda and would no longer be funded. This took care providers by surprise. The backlash triggered a series of high-level meetings inside the Trump administration, and by Wednesday evening the decision had been rescinded.
Congress moves to reject Trump plan to slash Education Department funding
Higher Ed Dive – January 20, 2026
Congressional lawmakers this week released a fiscal 2026 education budget proposal that rejects the Trump administration’s call to dramatically decrease funding for the U.S. Department of Education and to cut major financial aid programs. The bipartisan proposal would also keep funding level for a suite of student support and educational access programs that would have seen their funding slashed or been defunded altogether under President Donald Trump’s plan.
Federal lawmakers reject drastic cuts to scientific research
Higher Ed Dive – January 19, 2026
Senate lawmakers have rejected the Trump administration’s proposal to vastly reduce federal funding for scientific research. Instead the Senate advanced proposals last week that would provide $188.3 billion for scientific research — 21.3% more than the administration proposed. The Senate passed those bipartisan measures Thursday in a 82-15 vote.
Your Wish List for National School Counseling WeekPost – January 21, 2026
Counselors’ Corner with Patrick O’Connor, Ph.D.
Summer is the best time for a student to set themselves apart … and now is the best time to start planningPost – January 14, 2026
College Advice & Timely Tips with Lee Bierer
Four Takeaways from New Report on AI’s Risks in Education
The 74 – January 20, 2026
In just three years, artificial intelligence has revolutionized entertainment, finance, manufacturing and many other industries. But a new report from the Brookings Institution concludes that when it comes to education, the risks of AI overshadow its benefits. Researchers interviewed K-12 students, parents and teachers in 50 countries. Their conclusion: AI undermines young people’s foundational development in a way that simply can’t be offset by its productivity advantages.
How is a school counsellor like an admissions rep?
Times Higher Education – January 20, 2026
An increasing number of university admission reps are moving into school counselling. For those thinking about making this shift, it can be a rewarding transition. But I’ve noticed that there are often misconceptions about each role, and indeed about the overlap between the two. So, here I will lay out five ways in which the roles are surprisingly similar – and five ways in which they fundamentally differ.
Parents Embrace Career and Technical Education
Inside Higher Ed – January 21, 2026
While traditional four-year college remains popular, a new study finds parents increasingly open to nondegree pathways for their children.
The Truth About 8 Common College Admission Myths
U.S. News & World Report – January 16, 2026
Here’s what to know about eight common college admissions misconceptions related to topics like sticker price, who should write an applicant’s recommendation letters and what test scores would be beneficial to submit.
How to Ace the College Interview
U.S. News & World Report – January 15, 2026
There are two kinds of college interviews. The informational Q&A is meant to help an applicant learn about a school. The “evaluative” variety – what we’ll focus on in this column – is the one in which the questioner sizes up the applicant and reports back to the admissions team.
More students are going to college. Affordability and workforce training are factors
NPR – January 15, 2026
College enrollment in the U.S. continued to rise last fall, surpassing prepandemic level. Across undergraduate and graduate programs, total enrollment reached 19.4 million students. Enrollment at private four-year colleges is down, but enrollment rose at four-year public universities and at community colleges, where short-term credentials tied to the workforce grew by 28%. The numbers provide welcome news and some clear insights to college leaders worried about reports showing many Americans questioning the value of a college degree.
6 Practical Steps to Help Keep Your Student Focused on College Rather Than the Financial Strain
Kiplinger – January 20, 2026
When researchers ask students why they droped out of college, the answers are remarkably consistent across studies: It wasn’t the coursework. It wasn’t academic difficulty. It was a financial strain This six-step plan can help families plan for the full extent of costs and get timely aid that sees students through to graduation.
The Ultimate Guide to FAFSA, CSS Profile, and Finding Scholarships
Envision – January 16, 2026
College is expensive. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to pay full price. Financial aid exists to help bridge that gap between what college costs and what your family can afford. The trick is knowing how to access it. That’s where FAFSA and the CSS Profile come in. These two applications unlock the door to billions of dollars in federal, state, and institutional aid. Add scholarships to the mix, and suddenly that astronomical price tag starts looking a lot more manageable. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about filling out the FAFSA, completing the CSS Profile, and finding scholarships that fit your unique situation.
Getting To & Through College
EdTrust – January 15, 2026
My advice to first-gen students: you belong, even on the days it feels like you don’t. Ask questions and ask for what you need — without apology — because if you don’t ask, you’ll never know, and it’s OK to let people tell you “No.” Students like me are not liabilities; we are catalysts for change. And when institutions truly invest in first-gen and low-income students, the impact ripples across families, communities, and generation
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Why Small Scholarships Add Up
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The Case for Micro Scholarships.
How to Choose a College That Will Be Here for You, All Four Years
Siena College Admissions Blog – January 15, 2026
When families explore colleges, they consider academics, outcomes, campus culture, cost, and fit. There’s also a baseline expectation that often goes unspoken: the institution you choose should be stable, well-managed, and prepared to support you through graduation and your career. Aome institutions are facing real challenges, including layoffs, restructuring, and closures, so how do you make sure the college you choose will be there for you all the way through graduation and beyond? The best thing to do is ask how a college is positioned for the future. Here are the questions that matter most.
Teens and Young Adults Tend to Stop Seeing Doctors Regularly—Here’s Why That Matters
Parents – January 17, 2026
A new study shows that teens and young adults stop seeing doctors regularly between the ages of 15 and 23. Skipping checkups can lead to missed care around mental health, vaccines, and other key health needs. And the repercussions can be serious.
‘Tough It Out’ No More: A 24-Hour Helpline Aims To Support Young Athletes
Parents – January 16, 2025
Young athletes are usually thought of as strong and tough, but what’s going on under the surface often goes unnoticed. Studies have found that almost 17% of youth elite athletes experience at least one mental health disorder, and 80% of young athletes experienced at least one sign of psychological harm or neglect. At the same time, many sports kids don’t seek help for abuse, neglect, or mental health struggles. All of this is why Childhelp—a nonprofit child abuse prevention organization—has made a hotline dedicated specifically to child athletes available 24/7.
The Case for Residential Trade Schools
Education Next – January 21, 2026
America’s higher education system is going through a wrenching period right now, one that is not likely to end anytime soon. So, what’s a college president to do? Downsize, or simply close up shop? Here’s another thought: Expand—and bring in the trades.
Why Moving Career Pathways to the Labor Department Is an Opportunity
The 74 – January 19, 2026
There is no shortage of credentials in the U.S. labor market. There is a shortage of matched skills and reliable pathways. Many CTE programs are well intentioned and well funded, yet weakly connected to labor demand. The recent federal transition that shifted day-to-day administration of career-oriented pathways and CTE into the U.S. Department of Labor reflects a growing recognition that workforce preparation fails when it is governed as schooling alone rather than as a pipeline into jobs, wages and advancement.