Individual HSIs also say the provision will have a major impact on their programming. “It’s important that we increase training in science, technology, engineering and math-related activities so that we can stay competitive in the job market,” says Dr. Raul Rodriguez, president of San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, Calif.

If approved by the Senate and then by President Bush, the plan would promote faculty development, stipends for undergraduate students in research and improvements in STEM courses and curriculum.

It is not yet known how much funding HSIs would receive or how many colleges would receive support, Garcia says.

The provision would not provide additional funds to NSF but would encourage them to make merit-based grants using existing dollars.

While some details remain unclear, Garcia says HACU strongly supports the concept. “We’re concerned that we’re not well represented in STEM fields,” she says. HSIs also are looking to gain federal funds through the 2007 Farm Bill, Congress’ first major legislation on this front in several years.

HACU is seeking $40 million for an educational grants program for HSIs to promote research, scholarships and improved nutrition in high-poverty areas. One HACU recommendation is for an education grant program through which HSIs would conduct research in nutrition and food science.

According to Garcia, 87 HSIs have agriculture study programs, and many serve rural, isolated populations. “It’s our hope to allow smaller colleges to compete for these research and education funds,” she says.

House and Senate panels are expected to move ahead with farm bill and agriculture funding bills this summer.