The U.S. Department of Education’s latest competition for TRIO Talent Search is steering grantees toward workforce development—requiring proposals to demonstrate connections with the workforce system and positioning apprenticeships and career and technical education as “equally viable” pathways. Talent Search supports low-income middle and high school students with advising, college visits, and financial aid navigation. Advocacy group Council for Opportunity in Education argued the change could restrict college access and represents a “change in scope and mission” for TRIO. The group urged ED and the Department of Labor to rescind and revise the notice. The Education Department said the competition will proceed as outlined, emphasizing that higher education should equip students for in-demand, high-wage careers regardless of pathway choice. The dispute is likely to shape how competitive federal dollars define success for disadvantaged students.