NMC assessing impact of latest DOE cuts

09/12/2025 - Northern Marianas College President Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero said the college is still assessing which specific services will be affected by the latest cuts from the U.S. Department of Education.

U.S. DOE announced earlier this week that it will be terminating funding to grant programs at Minority-Serving Institutions. The U.S. DOE argues that the programs “discriminate by conferring government benefits exclusively to institutions that meet racial or ethnic quotas.”

NMC is designated as an Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). That is one of the seven discretionary grant programs that the U.S. DOE will cease to fund. The department said it will reprogram nearly $350 million meant for those programs in fiscal year 2025 to programs that “do not include discriminatory racial and ethnic quotas and that advance Administration priorities.” 

NMC’s AANAPISI grants fund Project PROA, Proa Pathways (a transfer program with Portland State University), and a few other programs. 

“The termination of this funding is very troubling for Northern Marianas College because it directly impacts hundreds of students who have benefited from the mentoring, tutoring, and guidance that these programs offer,” Deleon Guerrero told Marianas Press.

He added, “However, despite the serious challenge that this funding cut poses, we will do everything we can to continue supporting our students.”

In response to Marianas Press’ request for comment, the CNMI Delegate’s office said, “Congresswoman King-Hinds has been actively engaged on a number of recent federal education program changes affecting the CNMI, and this latest update will be no exception. The office is reviewing the Department of Education’s policy shift and will work closely with NMC to assess the specific impact on students and programming. The Congresswoman remains committed to ensuring federal decisions do not undermine educational opportunity in the Marianas and will continue to engage directly with agency officials to understand the basis for these changes and advocate for the needs of our institutions.”

Report by Thomas Manglona II