More minority-serving institutions are competing for and winning Homeland Security Department funding.

When historically Black colleges search for federal funding, they usually start with the U.S. Department of Education. But if new developments are any indication, they may want to keep their eye on the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

That department has just awarded funds to three HBCUs and one Hispanic-serving institution to serve as special centers of excellence on homeland security topics. From immigration to transportation to the challenge posed by natural disasters, minority- serving institutions are gaining an important foothold in the sometimes overlooked but still essential task of providing education and technical assistance through such centers.

This “historic decision to designate not one but four institutions as leads is remarkable,” says Rep. Bennie Thompson, DMiss., a Congressional Black Caucus member who chairs the House Committee on Homeland Security.

One of the four winners, Jackson State University, will serve as co-leader of a new Center of Excellence on Natural Disasters, Coastal Infrastructure and Emergency Management. The victory is significant given Mississippi’s struggles after Hurricane Katrina.

“We are in an area where there are many issues related to natural disasters and coastal infrastructure,” says Dr. Felix Okojie, vice president of research and federal relations at JSU. Jackson State is expected to serve as the co-leader of the center’s educational programs.

The victory is significant, Okojie tells Diverse, since it illustrates the ability of smaller minority-serving institutions to compete with large, traditionally White research universities.

In the past, minority-serving institutions were not often engaged in the research and education activities at DHS, Okojie says. “Given the opportunity and having a level playing field, HBCUs like Jackson State can cooperate with majority institutions,” he adds.