The appropriations bill also would fund increases for graduate programs at MSIs. Historically Black graduate institutions would receive $61.4 million in new funds, a $3 million increase from the current level. HSIs offering post-baccalaureate programs would receive at least $10.5 million — another new program added to the Higher Education Act.
Predominantly Black colleges also would receive $13.7 million under the 2010 appropriations bill. The last HEA reauthorization bill created a new pot of money for these institutions as well.
House lawmakers also were trumpeting a provision that would double federal spending on the HBCU capital financing program. The bill would provide $20 million next year for this program, which helps make capital available for repairs and renovations at Black colleges.
Elsewhere, the House spending bill includes a $200 increase in the maximum Pell Grant, for a top grant of $5,550 next year. The budgets for college access programs GEAR UP and TRIO would increase to $333 million and $868 million, respectively. They each would received increases of $20 million.
The bill also contains $50 million for a new high school graduation initiative targeted at so-called “dropout factories.”
The full House approved the appropriations bill in July by a vote of 264-153. The Senate is just beginning work on its 2010 education spending bill. The goal is for both chambers to agree to a fi nal bill prior to the start of the new fi scal year Oct. 1.
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
