Colleges pursue these earmarks on their own. “We don’t go after earmarks,” UNCF’s Bartley says, adding that these are decisions made by individual institutions.
But MSIs collectively are seeking additional federal resources for the 2010 fiscal year, which begins in October. While President Obama has outlined the general framework of his first education budget, line-by-line details are not expected until April. As a result, colleges have more time to make their case for more financial support.
“We’re at a crucial time right now,” Bartley tells Diverse. She notes that UNCF is seeking “significant” increases for the Title III program over the next three years. By outlining priorities that include education, technology and energy, Obama has an agenda that mirrors those of MSIs, she says.
“We know there is a premium placed on education and energy efficiency,” Bartley says. “We cannot afford to let one sector of higher education lag behind.”
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
