FAQ: Public Education Defense Fund

What is the Public Education Defense Fund (PEDF)?

PEDF is a bold initiative launched by NCYL to serve a substantive alternative to civil rights enforcement in education, developed in response to the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and the growing threat to educational equity.  PEDF is designed to ensure that civil rights in education remain real, not just promised.

PEDF includes six strategic pillars: defending student civil rights, building a pro bono legal network, tracking and reporting civil rights data, developing a civil rights fellowship, protecting public education, and convening an Education Strategy Leadership Council.

Why was PEDF created?

The Trump Administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has left millions of students vulnerable to unchecked discrimination in their schools. At the National Center for Youth Law, we are not prepared to lose a whole generation of young people. They need protection now; PEDF will provide that protection.

What will PEDF do?

PEDF will fill critical gaps to defend the rights of children and youth left vulnerable with the dismantling of the OCR. Through PEDF, we will:

• Ensure students and families still have protections if federal systems fail them.
• Maintain momentum for civil rights enforcement even in a hostile federal environment.
• Create a scalable, nimble, and community-centered legal infrastructure that can intervene directly and support long-term systemic change. 

When will PEDF launch?

We expect to launch in Fall 2025. Please visit here and sign up to receive more
information.

What is the PEDF fellowship program?

The fellowship program will consist of a group of Senior Fellows. The PEDF Senior Fellows will be former federal civil rights attorneys and investigators, particularly from the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice, who bring invaluable knowledge of enforcement systems. The fellowship provides a short-term placement to support civil rights infrastructure and protect vulnerable students.

How long does the fellowship last for?

The fellowship lasts for 4-6 months, depending on the Senior Fellow’s preference.

When can I apply?

Applications for the first cohort of Senior Fellows will open this summer. Applications for the second cohort may become available in Fall 2025.

Are fellows compensated?

Yes. Senior Fellows will receive a stipend.

Do fellows receive benefits?

That is to be determined.

Who is eligible for the fellowship program?

All individuals who have served as federal employees from November 2024 to the present are eligible to apply.

I took the “fork in the road” deferred resignation program. Can I still apply?

Yes.

What materials do I need to submit to apply?

The job description will be released soon and instructions on how to apply will be detailed in this job description.

What’s the application deadline?

Applications for the first PEDF cohort are open and will be received on a rolling basis until closed. Additional cohorts will be announced in the future.

How many fellows will there be?

The exact number of Senior Fellows will depend on funding levels. The number may grow over time. We expect each cohort to include between one and six Senior Fellows.

What would I do if I am selected as a fellow?

The role of the Senior Fellow may vary depending on need, capacity, and interest. Senior Fellows will be focused on moving the Public Education Defense Fund forward.

Do I have to be a lawyer to apply?

No. But all applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to civil rights work and/or working on behalf of children and young people.

How do I continue to learn more information about PEDF?

Please visit here and sign up to receive more information.