U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education was created in 1980 by combining offices from several federal agencies. Its original directive remains its mission today - to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation. ED's 4,500 employees and $71.5 billion budget are dedicated to:

  • Establishing policies on federal financial aid for education, and distributing as well as monitoring those funds.
  • Collecting data on America's schools and disseminating research.
  • Focusing national attention on key educational issues.
  • Prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education.

Phone: (800) 872-5327
Website: http://www.ed.gov