U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Friday announced the award of $84.775 million to 96 historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to strengthen their facilities and academic programs to improve education for their students.
“HBCUs play an essential role in helping our Nation boost college-completion rates and achieve the president’s goal for America to again have the highest percentage of college graduates in the world by 2020,” Duncan said. “These grants provide HBCUs with needed resources to enhance their programs and services that will enable their students to graduate and succeed in the workplace.”
Grants awarded under the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program support activities that improve and expand course offerings, student services, campus facilities and faculty and staff development. Funds may also be used to establish teacher-education programs designed to qualify students to teach in public schools, financial and economic literacy programs for students and families, and community outreach programs that encourage elementary and secondary school students to develop high-level academic skills and interest in postsecondary education.
The awards are formula grants based on data provided by eligible institutions.
