Boozman, Scott, Coons Champion Effort to Modernize HBCU Campuses

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Chris Coons (D-DE) in introducing the Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education (IGNITE) for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Excellence Act. The bipartisan legislation would help rebuild and modernize aging campus infrastructure at HBCUs across the country by establishing a competitive federal grant program within the Department of Education.

"Arkansas is the proud home to four HBCUs that provide quality, unique educational opportunities to thousands of students. I am proud to help recognize their historical significance and positive impact on aspiring college graduates from a variety of backgrounds. The IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act will ensure these institutions' infrastructure is able to continue preparing students for successful careers in the years to come," Boozman said.

"HBCUs have long been engines of opportunity, but for far too long, too many have been asked to do more with less. The IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act will help modernize campuses, expand research and workforce training opportunities, and ensure students are prepared to succeed in a 21st-century economy," said Scott, co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus.

"Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Delaware State University have long been institutions that create opportunity and academic excellence for future generations of community leaders, innovators, educators, and freedom fighters," said Coons, co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. "Funding for HBCUs is critical to providing educational resources for low-income students, first generation college students, and those most at risk of not entering college. Congress needs to take up and pass the IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act to modernize campuses across the country so that HBCUs have the technology, facilities, and resources they need to educate the next generation."

In addition to Boozman, Scott and Coons, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Cory Booker (D-NJ). Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives French Hill (R-AR) and Alma Adams (D-NC).

The IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act is supported by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the United Negro College Fund, the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the Office of Management and Budget.

Background

The IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act would:

• Establish a competitive federal grant program to fund long-term infrastructure improvements at HBCUs.
• Prioritize funding for institutions with the greatest financial need, aging or unsafe facilities, limited fundraising capacity and high enrollment of low-income students.
• Allow grant funding to be used for:
• • Construction, modernization, repair and deferred maintenance of campus facilities;
  • Campus safety improvements; and
  • Creation of AI Workforce Development Hubs to prepare students for high-demand careers.
• Provide technical assistance to help HBCUs apply for and manage federal grants.
• Ensure accountability through federal reporting, evaluation and oversight requirements.
• Provide capital financing relief to institutions left out of prior federal assistance programs.

Click here to view text of the bill.

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