News Summary

President Donald Trump is proposing to redirect $3 billion in federal research funds from Harvard University to trade schools to address the skilled trades crisis in the U.S. Amid rising concerns from educators about the negative impact on scientific progress, the plan aims to tackle the shortage of skilled labor, especially in states like Michigan. With high demand for trained workers, the conversation raises questions about the balance between funding vocational education and supporting academic institutions.

Washington D.C. – President Donald Trump is threatening to redirect $3 billion in federal research funds from Harvard University to trade schools across the country. This move is part of his response to Harvard’s alleged non-compliance with his executive orders regarding campus policies, which focus on promoting free speech and accountability in higher education institutions. The decision reflects a broader trend of addressing the skilled trades crisis that is currently affecting the U.S.

Trump’s ultimatum is raising concerns among educators and researchers about the potential negative impact on scientific progress and academic freedom. Nevertheless, the plan to redirect funds to trade schools is gaining traction as the nation grapples with a mounting need for skilled labor, particularly in states like Michigan. With approximately 725,000 job openings for skilled workers nationwide, the demand for trained labor has remained consistently high since the pandemic disrupted the job market.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wages for skilled trades have risen by more than 20% since early 2020, outlining a growing recognition of the importance of vocational training. The situation is compounded by an aging workforce, which is projected to lead to a 75% increase in the ratio of post-working-age individuals to working-age individuals by 2027. In Michigan alone, skilled trades are expected to create 47,000 annual job openings through 2028, underscoring the critical need for rapid training programs in this sector.

Michigan’s unemployment rate currently stands at 5.5%, making it the second highest in the United States. The state faces a significant mismatch between the available workforce and the types of skilled labor that businesses are seeking. To address this shortage, experts emphasize the necessity of supporting trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs that can provide the necessary training for prospective workers.

On June 19, 2025, the Michigan Skilled Careers Job Fair will take place in Southfield, MI. This event seeks to connect job seekers with opportunities in skilled trades, manufacturing, education, and technology. Employers from various sectors will be present to fill open roles and will also provide information about available apprenticeships.

In support of aspiring tradespersons, scholarships are being offered to students in Manistee County pursuing careers in skilled trades. The Glenn Lottie Scholarship provides $2,000 to eligible students, while the 4Front Foundation’s Trade Scholarship program awards four scholarships valued at $2,500 each to Michigan residents enrolled in trade programs. With around 520,000 jobs related to professional trades projected in the state, the potential for career growth in this area is substantial.

The median salary for professional trades occupations in Michigan reaches $61,000, which is 16.2% higher than the median salary for other occupations. Thousands of skilled tradespersons enroll in national training programs in Washtenaw County each year, contributing an economic impact of $23 million annually and supporting local jobs and businesses.

Additionally, the Michigan State and the MI Trades Partnership will co-host a Skilled Trades Career Fair on May 8, 2025. This event will feature both in-person and virtual sessions, designed to help job seekers connect with potential employers and explore available positions within the skilled trades sector.

The ongoing conversation about redirecting educational funds highlights the urgent need to address the skilled labor shortage while questioning the potential consequences for institutions of higher learning. As the U.S. moves forward, the balance between funding vocational education and supporting research at universities like Harvard continues to spark debate among policymakers, educators, and the public.