When Tuition Assistance Stalled, SNHU Stepped In

When Tuition Assistance Stalled, SNHU Stepped In

by | Mar 16, 2026 | Uncategorized, Underserved Communities

When the federal government shut down in fall 2025, the disruption reached military students quickly. Tuition Assistance payments paused, leaving many service members unsure whether they could stay enrolled in their classes.

Southern New Hampshire University chose not to wait for the system. The university provided more than $1.3 million in scholarships so military students affected by the shutdown could continue their coursework without interruption.

For service members balancing deployments, training schedules, and family responsibilities, even a short funding gap can derail progress toward a degree. SNHU’s response ensured those students could keep moving forward.

A Model Designed for Military Learners

The decision reflects a broader strategy. SNHU has spent years building programs designed for working adults and military students whose lives rarely fit a traditional academic calendar.

Flexible online courses allow service members to continue their education through moves, deployments, and unpredictable schedules. That approach has helped the university grow into one of the largest nonprofit providers of higher education in the country, serving more than 200,000 learners.

Policy and Research on Military Education

SNHU has also been active in shaping policy discussions around military education. The university supported the bipartisan Military Learning for Credit Act, legislation aimed at helping service members translate military training and experience into college credit.

In November 2025, SNHU’s Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice released a report with the Today’s Student Coalition examining barriers military-connected learners face in higher education. The report calls for improvements in Tuition Assistance funding, stronger recognition of prior learning, and adjustments to GI Bill housing support.

Commitment in Practice

Higher education institutions often speak about supporting military students. Moments like the 2025 shutdown reveal what that commitment looks like in practice.

SNHU’s response was not a sweeping reform or a policy announcement. It was a practical decision that kept hundreds of service members enrolled and progressing toward their degrees.

For the students involved, the outcome was simple but significant: their education continued.

February CHIPS Update

February CHIPS Update

by | Feb 5, 2025 | Innovation, Uncategorized

In a significant development for the CHIPS and Science Act implementation, on January 16th, the Department of Commerce announced preliminary funding agreements totaling approximately $246.4 million across four semiconductor companies. The proposed investments include:

  • $105 million for Analog Devices to expand facilities in Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington
  • $79 million for Coherent’s silicon carbide substrate production in Pennsylvania
  • $10.3 million for IntelliEPI’s epitaxial wafer facility in Texas
  • $52.1 million for Sumika’s new ultra-high purity chemical plant in Texas

These investments aim to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, create approximately 1,190 new jobs across multiple states, and enhance the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. The initiatives span various critical areas including RF microwave systems, silicon carbide substrates, epitaxial wafers, and high-purity chemicals essential for chip production.

In another significant development, the Department of Commerce has finalized three new CHIPS Act awards totaling $143 million, along with a $75 million supplemental award to GlobalFoundries. The latest funding allocations include:

  • $32 million for Corning’s HPFS and ULE glass production expansion in Canton, New York
  • $18 million for Edwards Vacuum’s new semiconductor dry pump facility in Genesee County, New York
  • $93 million for Infinera’s photonic semiconductor manufacturing in San Jose, California and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

These investments will create approximately 730 manufacturing jobs and 1,475 construction jobs across multiple states. The projects focus on critical components for semiconductor manufacturing, including lithography materials, vacuum pumps for fab operations, and photonic integrated circuits for data communications. The additional $75 million awarded to GlobalFoundries will support advanced packaging technology development at their Malta, New York facility.

The Presidents Forum continues to actively monitor and engage with CHIPS for America developments, recognizing the critical importance of semiconductor manufacturing to U.S. economic and national security interests. Through regular briefings and policy discussions, the Forum maintains close involvement with these initiatives, ensuring its members stay informed about funding allocations, implementation progress, and emerging opportunities in the semiconductor industry.

February Update

February Update

by | Feb 4, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability, Policy, Uncategorized, Video

February Update

The February update focuses on High Social Value Education and key policy updates, emphasizing both individual success and community impact in higher education.

The big picture:

Presidents Forum is expanding its influence through:

  • New partnerships
  • Policy agenda development
  • Engagement with Department of Education leadership

Coming up:

  • Linda McMahon’s Education Secretary confirmation hearings (mid-February). Senate vote expected by early March
  • DC meeting on March 24-25