News
Open Advocates Make the Case for ZTC Degrees in Sacramento
A delegation of California open advocates spent a day in Sacramento highlighting the impact of the state’s Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Degree Grant Program.
New Research Identifies Open Educational Resources as a High-Impact Practice
New research from AAC&U officially recognizes open educational resources as a high-impact practice, placing OER alongside undergraduate research, internships, and other approaches central to student success.
Idaho Adopts Strengthened Course Material Affordability Policy
The Idaho State Board of Education adopted a revised version of its course material affordability policy, strengthening protections for students on automatic textbook billing and reinforcing the state's support for open educational resources.
OpenEd Digest - June 2026
This month’s roundup of open education news, opportunities and events.
Astronaut Sian Proctor to Keynote OpenEd26
The Open Education Conference is delighted to announce that this year’s opening keynote will be Dr. Sian Proctor, a geoscientist, artist, astronaut, and educator best known as the pilot of the historic all-civilian Inspiration4 space mission.
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.
May Newsletter: Sustaining Open Education Work
This month’s newsletter highlights the upcoming funding strategies webinar and open applications for the Open Textbook Pilot grant.
Member Spotlight: Victoria Brame
A first-gen student who gamified her way through textbook costs grew up to ask: how do we make sure the next student isn't navigating this alone?
Member Spotlight: Carlos Goller
A NC State microbiologist couldn't find the right textbook for cutting-edge lab techniques, so he and his students stopped looking and started creating.
Applications Open for Federal Open Textbook Pilot Grants: Deadline June 23
The 2026 competition for the federal Open Textbook Pilot Grant program is open. Applications are due June 23.
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.
New Resource: Open Education Glossary
Explore the Open Education Glossary, a reference of key terms, organizations, platforms, and concepts used across the field.
OpenEd Digest - May 2026
This month’s roundup of open education news, opportunities and events.
OpenEd26 Registration is Open
Registration is open for the 2026 Open Education Conference on October 27–29. Register by August 31 to get earlybird pricing, and take advantage of discounts for association members.
April Newsletter: Accessibility in Focus
This month’s newsletter highlights updates on OER and accessibility, information on microcredentials and Workforce Pell, and upcoming regional social hours.
Member Spotlight: Judith Sebesta
A former theatre professor got hooked on OER when two students said they simply couldn't have afforded to take her class any other way.
Member Spotlight: JoAn Kivlehan
A New York nursing instructor makes the case that OER models the values that nursing is built on
OER and the New Accessibility Timeline: What Institutions Should Know
With the ADA Title II deadline extended by one year, institutions have more time to get accessibility right. OER should be part of the plan.
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.
OpenEd Digest – April 2026
This month’s roundup of open education news, opportunities and events.