NSF Program Would Link HBCUs, Developing Countries
A Congressional Black Caucus member wants new federal funds to encourage partnerships between historically Black colleges and organizations in developing countries.
Under the plan by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, the National Science Foundation would fund partnerships that focus on the use of plant biotechnology to meet the food needs of the developing world. Any U.S. college or university could participate in the effort, but Johnson’s bill would give special consideration to HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions and tribal colleges.
Funds could support research on crops grown in the developing world. Specifically, projects could focus on the development of pest-resistant plants and technologies that produce increased crop yields, among other uses. The just-introduced bill, H.R. 2912, authorizes $6 million for 2002, followed by $9 million in 2003 and 2004.
For more information, contact Johnson’s office at (202) 225-8885.
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