SUCCESS Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 1, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to improve the academic success and retention of student survivors of violence by funding trauma-informed support services at colleges and universities.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a competitive grant program for institutions of higher education to implement patient-centered academic counseling and other support services for student survivors of sexual assault and other violence. The grants are for a term of 5 years and prioritize institutions with a history of Title IX violations, community colleges, and minority-serving institutions. Funds can be used for re-entry assistance, faculty training, academic accommodations, mental health services, and wrap-around support.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that student survivors of sexual assault and other violence face significant academic challenges, including lower GPAs and higher dropout rates, due to trauma-related effects like PTSD, anxiety, and difficulty learning. They contend that targeted, patient-centered academic counseling and support are crucial to address these specific barriers, ensuring these students can continue their education and achieve success.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is laudable, creating a new federal grant program adds to administrative bureaucracy and could duplicate existing services or funding streams already available through other federal or institutional programs. Some may also express concern about the broad definition of 'other violence' potentially diluting the focus or overextending the program's scope without clear boundaries.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it easy for any interested reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 3, adding new Part BB, Section 898A(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Creation of Competitive Grant Program
This provision authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive, 5-year grants to colleges and universities. The purpose of these grants is to help institutions implement patient-centered academic counseling and other support services specifically for students who have experienced sexual assault or other forms of violence.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a dedicated grant program is essential to incentivize and enable institutions to develop specialized support systems that address the unique academic challenges faced by survivors, which are often overlooked by general student support services.
Critics contend
Some might argue that institutions should already be providing these services as part of their existing student support infrastructure, and a new federal grant program might create an unnecessary dependency on federal funds for core institutional responsibilities.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between providing direct federal support for a critical need versus expecting institutions to fully fund such services internally.
Section 3, adding new Part BB, Section 898A(a)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Defining 'Patient-Centered' Approach
This section defines 'patient-centered' services as those that recognize the broad impact of trauma, identify trauma signs, integrate trauma knowledge into policies, and actively avoid re-traumatizing survivors. This ensures that the support provided is sensitive and effective for individuals who have experienced violence.
Section 3, adding new Part BB, Section 898A(d) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Prioritization for Grant Awards
When awarding grants, the Secretary of Education must give priority to three types of institutions: those with a history of Title IX violations, community colleges, and minority-serving institutions (including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges and Universities). This aims to direct resources to institutions that may have greater need or serve vulnerable populations.
Section 3, adding new Part BB, Section 898A(e) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Permitted Activities for Grant Recipients
Grant funds can be used for a range of activities, including re-entry assistance for students who took leaves of absence, increased training for faculty and administrators on patient-centered care, professional development for academic advisors, academic accommodations (like confidential tutoring), increased mental health services, and creating or enhancing funds for wrap-around services for survivors.