News
Colorado Reauthorizes OER Program for Five More Years
Governor Polis signed HB 26-1016 into law on June 1, reauthorizing Colorado's Open Educational Resources grant program through 2031. The program has saved Colorado students nearly $60 million in textbook costs since its launch.
Update on Workforce Pell and Course Materials
The Department of Education clarified how course material costs factor into Workforce Pell accountability requirements, with direct implications for institutions choosing between OER and commercial materials.
Workforce Pell and Textbook Costs: Why OER Matters
The Workforce Pell Grant program extends Pell eligibility to short-term workforce programs for the first time. As institutions build these programs, openly licensed materials are a strategy to reduce program costs and save students money.
Nevada Adopts Policy on No-Cost and Low-Cost Course Materials
A new policy adopted by the Nevada System of Higher Education requires institutions to identify courses that rely exclusively on no-cost or low-cost materials within their course registration systems, giving students clearer information about what they'll actually spend before they enroll.
Open Education in Pennsylvania: Taking the Case to Harrisburg
Pennsylvania has a strong open education community despite not having formal policy or state-level support. Advocates took the case for OER to the state legislature.
Maintaining Momentum for OER in Connecticut
As the state legislature considers next year’s budget, advocates urge full restoration of funding for the Connecticut OER Coordinating Council. Since its founding, the Council has saved more than 10,000 students nearly $1.2 million in textbook costs.
Open Textbook Pilot Grant Program Funded for 2026
Congress renewed funding for the federal Open Textbook Pilot program in Fiscal Year 2026, allocating $7 million for new grants to be distributed by the Department of Education.
Colorado Considers Bill to Renew Leading OER Grant Program
If passed, the bill would extend funding at approximately $1 million annually. Since its inception, the program has converted more than 2,200 courses to OER, built 17 zero-textbook-cost degree programs, and saveed students nearly $60 million.