Press Releases

Congressional Black Caucus Applauds the Passage of the FUTURE ACT to extend funding for HBCUs

Washington, September 19, 2019

On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, the House voted to pass the Future Act, a Congressional Black Caucus led proposal to preserve funding for Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges or Universities (TCUs), and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).  Under the leadership of Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott and Congresswoman Alma Adams, the legislation will extend funding for these institutions that was set to expire on September 30, 2019. Congresswoman Karen Bass, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) issued the following response:

“Since our creation, the Congressional Black Caucus has remained fiercely committed to ensuring the preservation of Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCUs) across this nation,” said Chairwoman Bass. “Under Chairman Scott and Rep. Adams leadership, the CBC has taken another step toward ensuring HBCUs and other minority serving institutions receive the robust funding they deserve. We know that HBCUs play a critical role in helping Black students gain access to a quality higher education. Now, the CBC is urging the Senate to pass the FUTURE Act and join the House as we continue to provide pathways of opportunity to all of the millions of students they serve.”

Background:

The FUTURE Act reauthorizes $255 million in critical funding for Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) for the next two years, including $85 million for HBCUs. This legislation provides HBCUs, Tribal Colleges, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and others funding to strengthen STEM programs, improve infrastructure and equip campuses with the technology they need to prepare students for 21st century jobs.

For Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021, the FUTURE Act would ensure that:

  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue to receive $85 million per year.
  • American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) continue to receive $30 million per year.
  • Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) continue to receive $100 million per year.
  • Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) continue to receive $15 million per year.
  • Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNHs) continue to receive $15 million per year.
  • Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) continue to receive $5 million per year.
  • Native American-Serving, Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs) continue to receive $5 million per year.

To read the fact sheet on the FUTURE Act, click here.